Jeremy Bell: A Quiet Force of Good in the Courthouse
Jeremy Bell, one of our incredible Illinois JusticeCorps Fellows, hails from Rolling Meadows, a suburb just outside of Chicago. Since August 2023, he’s been part of our team—and in that time, he’s made a real difference in the lives of so many people who walk through our doors looking for help and hope.
What makes Jeremy stand out isn’t just his kindness or calm demeanor—it’s how seriously he takes this work. He’s gone out of his way to learn the ins and outs of civil court procedures, not because anyone told him to, but because he genuinely wants to be helpful to the people we serve. That kind of dedication shows. Every time we talk to one of our legal aid partners, they mention how amazing he is, how thoughtful, prepared, and reliable he is with every person he assists.
And that impact is real. So many of the people Jeremy helps are going through incredibly hard times. For them, the court system can be confusing, intimidating, and even scary—especially when they don’t have a lawyer to guide them. Some have been turned away from place to place, unsure of what to do next. But when they meet Jeremy, things start to feel a little more manageable. He listens. He explains. He helps them find the right forms, fill them out, and understand what’s next. Sometimes, he connects them with legal aid attorneys. Sometimes, he’s just the first person who makes them feel seen.
Jeremy has done this work quietly and consistently. Over time, he’s built trust—not just with patrons who return for help, but with all of us who work beside him. There’s a warmth to the way he works that stays with people, long after they’ve left the building.
The Governor’s Award is a beautiful recognition of what we already know: Jeremy brings light to some of the darkest, most overwhelming moments in people’s lives. We’re lucky to have him on our team, and we can’t wait to see all the good he’ll continue to do—wherever life takes him next.
Jeremy will receive his 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago.
He joins the ranks of other amazing Illinois JusticeCorps Fellows who also have won the award.
- 2016 – Ben Mullison
- 2018 – Brian Frapolly
- 2019 – Alfreda Baran
- 2023 – Haily Buckman
- 2025 – Jeremy Bell