ALSC’s Volunteer of the Month for August is Nicole Stucki! Nicole has been an impressive pro bono volunteer since January, having successfully obtained SNAP benefits for 40 families throughout Alaska.  Beyond SNAP, Nicole has recently accepted a client needing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, learning the process with the help of a pro bono attorney mentor.  She is always quick to respond and a pleasure to work with!

Why did you choose to volunteer with ALSC?
I chose to volunteer with ALSC because I wanted to make a significant contribution to my community, and I had a law degree I had not used for a while. ALSC provides volunteer attorneys with useful guidance and reference materials to get up to speed on a variety of legal topics.

What are some of your experiences with ALSC that have made a positive difference in the lives of others and/or the community?
My primary focus as a pro bono attorney with ALSC has been assisting clients with getting their SNAP, or food stamps, applications approved. The state of Alaska has a backlog in benefits processing that has resulted in approximately 70% of SNAP recipients having been dropped from benefits between 2022 and 2023 (Anchorage Daily News, July 3, 2023). I have been assisting with cases for clients who have been denied benefits for five or six months on average, and sometimes longer, through no fault of their own.

How do you think your experiences with ALSC will benefit you in the future?
I have enjoyed doing benefits work, and may want to do more of it in the future.

What do you do when you are not volunteering with ALSC?
When I am not volunteering with ALSC, I am hiking with my husband, or taking art classes with my mom.