We were honored to collaborate with fellow Midwestern legal aid programs on a panel highlighting the critical work legal aid providers do to help people in crisis. ? Civil legal aid is something people don’t think about—until they have no other choice. It’s there when they’re in crisis, facing eviction, abuse, or financial hardship, ensuring that legal help isn’t just for those who can pay for it. ? With Legal Services Corporation funding, Judicare Legal Aid was able to provide legal help in over 2,800 cases last year. These cases represented 2,899 rural residents, 2,757 families with minor children, 833 seniors, 647 victims of crime, and 125 veterans.
Yesterday, several of our grantees from Midwestern states gathered at the Capitol for an inspiring event—On the Ground with Legal Aid—to raise awareness about the vital role legal aid plays in our communities. The event featured a powerful panel of legal aid attorneys who are working on cases related to domestic violence and the opioid crisis. Additionally, Nadine Chest, a former client of Legal Aid Chicago and a veteran, shared her inspiring story. She came to Legal Aid Chicago seeking assistance with a consumer debt case, fearing she would lose everything. Thanks to the expertise and support of Legal Aid staff, she didn’t lose a dime and was even able to secure additional veterans disability benefits. Today, she serves on Legal Aid's board, a testament to the incredible impact these organizations have on their clients and communities. A bit thanks to our grantees Legal Services of North Dakota, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc., Judicare Legal Aid and Legal Aid Chicago for organizing this great event with the support of Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4). #LegalAid #CommunityImpact #LegalServices
