Note from ED: Celebrating 65 years of Community Legal Aid

We’re celebrating 65 years of Community Legal Aid this year, and it’s been an exciting time to look back on our history and the success that brought us to where we are today, as well as thinking about where we’re heading in the future.

A lot can happen in 65 years. We’ve seen many changes in that time - shifting priorities, mergers and restructuring, and most recently, changes in executive leadership. But one thing has remained constant, and that is the support of our volunteers and donors who are committed to the American ideal of justice for all.

Our supporters come overwhelmingly from the private bar. Outside of grant funding, your donations are our primary source of income for establishing and expanding projects.

Last year alone, your donations helped us reach 12,360 individuals with legal needs. These are people who often have nowhere left to turn. They come to us as a last resort, desperate for help in saving their home, getting their child the support they need in school, or finding a way to safely get out of a violent home life.

We are now halfway through our 65 Years Spring Appeal, and we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response and support we’ve seen so far. But our goal is to reach $20,000 for this campaign, and we still have a long way to go.

Whether you’ve given in the past or not, this is a perfect time to become an advocate for justice. By making a donation, you join a community that serves as the collective voice for those in need. We have multiple ways you can make an impact:

• Give monthly: Join as a Sustainer, an elite group of donors who give monthly. As a Sustainer, you ensure we can continue to help help those in need regardless of our financial climate. You help us plan for the future by knowing where our funding is coming from. Plus, you have the added benefit of never having to think about your donation again! To sign up or learn more, visit www.communitylegalaid.org/sustainer

• Become a Corporate Partner: Our corporate sponsorship program identifies your business as a recognized partner and supporter of legal aid. This program enhances not only your relationship with us, but also your relationship with the clients and communities we serve. See program details at www.communitylegalaid.org/corporate

• Make a one-time donation: You can make a difference today by making a one-time charitable contribution. To donate to our 65 Years Spring Appeal, visit www.communitylegalaid.org/65years or send a check to 50 South Main Street, Suite 800, Akron, OH 44308.

• Shop AmazonSmile: Support Community Legal Aid when shopping! When you shop using AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of your purchase back to our organization, at no added expense to you. Simply visit smile.amazon.com and type in Community Legal Aid to find us.

• Donate your time: In addition to giving financially, you can also donate your time by serving as a pro bono volunteer. Visit www.communitylegalaid.org/vlsp for more information or to sign up.

• Attend our Anniversary Celebration: Mark your calendars for Sept. 28th, when we host our annual awards ceremony with silent auction and wine pull. Wine, beer, and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served. Learn more or RSVP at www.communitylegalaid.org/65years

Steven McGarrity, Esq.

Executive Director, Community Legal Aid