Sr. Mary Frances Nevins has always been a problem solver. In 1958, she began teaching grade school with the challenge of opening young minds to learning. Then, at the secondary level, she found innovative ways to inspire students who were at risk of dropping out of school at West Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia, Pa.

Later, at St. Leonard’s Academy in Philadelphia, she introduced an urban studies program, where seniors explored the workings of a large city. A master’s degree in urban planning added to Sr. Mary Frances’ expertise.

During her five years as a planner on the Society of the Holy Child’s Provincial Staff, she took courses that qualified her to work as a paralegal. Today, she is a public benefits advocate for Philadelphia Legal Assistance, which provides free civil legal services to Philadelphia's low-income community.

“This work is simply a continuation of teaching,” explains Sr. Mary Frances. “I usually handle about 30 cases at a time—all require research, planning how we will present the client’s case, coaching the client before meeting with the judge, and bringing in witnesses as needed.” Many clients are referred by the Welfare Department, as a good number suffer from mental illnesses. “Our work is to help them help themselves: plead for the disability income they need or the Social Security pension they have earned,” she added.

Joe was a typical client of Sr. Mary Frances. He was learning disabled, schizophrenic, and unable to hold a job. He sorely needed Supplemental Security Income (SSI) so that he would qualify for disabled housing and other social services, as well as Medicaid to cover the cost of prescription drugs that could stabilize his symptoms. Readied for his hearing by Sr. Mary Frances, Joe was dropped off at the courthouse by his mother who had trouble finding a parking place. All the court procedures that Sr. Mary Frances had reviewed with Joe were forgotten, as he insistently called out, “I want my mother!” Sr. Mary Frances assured him that she would be coming and tried to proceed, but then Joe began talking to the voices he hears as a result of his schizophrenia.

“Do they tell you to do bad things?” asked the judge. “Oh, no,” came Joe’s reply, “They are my friends.” With only a few more questions, the judge agreed that Joe should receive benefits, and fortunately, his mother arrived in time to hear the good news.

“We don’t win all our cases,” admits Sr. Mary Frances, “but we have showed needy people that we care about them and, in a number of cases, have given them a sense of their worth and dignity as persons.” What an empowering way to carry out the Society’s mission of helping others believe in God’s presence working in them!