Our Story
Methodist Justice Ministry (MJM) was founded by Reverend and attorney Brooks Harrington, a Fort Worth native with a distinguished background in law and ministry. Brooks, a former U.S. Marine, has over four decades of legal experience, including overseeing violent crime prosecutions in Washington, D.C. His work gave him a deep understanding of the cycles of violence, poverty, and neglect that affect families.
Following his calling to ministry, Brooks became an ordained minister and served as senior pastor of Diamond Hill United Methodist Church in north Fort Worth for five years. Witnessing firsthand the challenges facing families in underserved neighborhoods inspired him to combine his legal expertise and faith to create lasting community impact.
This vision led to the founding of MJM in 2006, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit legal organization affiliated with First UnitedMethodist Church of Fort Worth. The church played a vital role in MJM’s establishment, providing financial support, office space, and a network of volunteers. Today, this partnership remains essential, allowing MJM to deliver safety, hope, and lasting change.
Although MJM has faith-based roots, it serves people of all backgrounds, regardless of religious affiliation.
MJM Leadership
After Brooks’ retirement, MJM welcomed Aaryn Landers Lamb as Executive Director in 2024. Aaryn is deeply committed to advocating for vulnerable families and children across North Texas. Board Certified in Child Welfare Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, she has practiced family law since 2006, serving in private practice, government, and nonprofit legal aid leadership.
Passionate about public outreach and continuing legal education, Aaryn works to strengthen protections for at-risk communities. She earned her undergraduate degree from Southwest Texas State University and her Juris Doctor from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in Fort Worth.
Yajaera Chatterson
Development Director
Jodie Connaughton
Legal Director
Norma Serrano Castilla
Program Director
Board of Directors
Nelson Holm, Chair
Stephen Black
Susan Cheyne
Jerry Colwell
Malorie Crosley
Sandra Gamez
Sandra Garcia
Bob Haslam
Courtney Holm
Tye McClure
Ashley McCollum
Carol McQuien
Cindy Mendoza
Mike Moncrief
Greg Monroe
Manny Ramirez
Ex-Officio
Thane Arther, Associate Director of Finance at FUMCFW
Rev. Brenda Brooks-Alexander, Associate Pastor at FUMCFW
Rev. Lance Marshall, Senior Pastor at FUMCFW
Awards
2025– DCEO Magazine Team of the Year (mid-size), recognizing our program staff who walk alongside families from intake to post-closure support.
2024– Pro Bono Award by the State Bar of Texas for MJM’s outstanding contribution toward guaranteeing access to the legal system for the poor.
2023– Certificate of Appreciation to MJM from the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office for outstanding work with crime victims.
2022– J. Chrys Dougherty Legal Services Award to Founder Brooks Harrington
2018– MJM was named one of the top law firms in Fort Worth Magazine
2013– Charlesetta Milling CPS Black History Award for improving the lives of children in Tarrant County
2007– Newgate Award by the United Methodist Church Central Texas