Gabriel Project Adds Estate Planning to Legal Services Provided to Low-Income & Poor People
Headquartered in Kirkwood, Mo., The Gabriel Project has launched a new program to provide free estate planning services to needy people in the central suburbs of St. Louis. This program addresses the critical need for estate planning in poor communities. It is well documented that the lack of estate planning contributes to continued wealth disparities that negatively impact low-income and poor people.
In 2006, St. Louis attorney Stephen G. Bell formed The Gabriel Project, a Missouri nonprofit corporation providing high-quality free legal services to poor people in the St. Louis area. Mr. Bell chose the name in honor of his mother, Jean Gabriel Bell, and Christianity’s Angel Gabriel. The name “Gabriel” means “God is my strength” or “hero of God”.
For more than 15 years, The Gabriel Project has served individuals who have limited access to the legal system in a variety of matters, including family law, housing, consumer law, probate, and employment law. It is fully funded by Mr. Bell at no charge to its clients, and without outside financial assistance. Mr. Bell’s volunteer work with The Gabriel Project earned him the honor of placement of his name on Missouri’s “Wall of Fame”, which recognizes Missouri lawyers who have performed extensive pro bono services.
The Gabriel Project will work with local clergy, as it has done in the past, to identify individuals and families who need help. Potential clients will meet at area churches with Mr. Bell and other attorneys, who will give legal advice to them and, where appropriate, handle their cases to conclusion.
