New Staff Orientation at Tyler Arboretum | Pro Bono Innovation at Villanova Law School
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Hurricane Ida: FEMA appeal deadline March 10
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LASP elected to the Southeastern PA Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster (SEPA VOAD)
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Rental assistance: Montco applications CLOSE April 1; Delco has utilized 100% of its funds & is CLOSING (Delco applications closed in September)
- Chester County Mobile Home Tax Reassessment Project is back!
- Pro Bono Innovation: LASP at Villanova Law
- Upcoming outreach | Welcome, new staff!
- Join our team! | and more
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Hurricane Ida in Pennsylvania |
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Disagree with a FEMA decision or denial? FEMA appeal deadline for Hurricane Ida in PA is March 10, 2023 |
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Renters & homeowners must appeal FEMA decisions or denials on or before Friday, March 10, 2023!
(Important: Appeals only! No new applications.)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the final deadline for appeals related to Hurricane Ida in Pennsylvania will be Friday, March 10, 2023.
Did you receive a denial from FEMA? Do you face other legal problems caused by Hurricane Ida? LASP continues to help low-income survivors of Hurricane Ida in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Call 877-429-5994 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or apply online 24/7: lasp.org/apply.
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LASP is now an official member of SEPA VOAD! |
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As a result of ongoing work to help survivors of Hurricane Ida, LASP was elected as an official member of Southeastern PA Voluntary Organizations Active in A Disaster. SEPA VOAD is a forum where organizations share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle including response and recovery to help disaster survivors and their communities.
Julia Menzo, co-chair of SEPA VOAD and Director of Community Outreach for Liberty Lutheran Services, made the nomination at the SEPA VOAD's December meeting.
LASP Disaster Relief Staff Attorney Charles Burrows accepted the nomination on LASP's behalf. He regularly joins SEPA VOAD meetings as part of LASP's response to Hurricane Ida. In the immediate aftermath of the storm in 2021 and 2022, Sara Planthaber, LASP Staff Attorney, led LASP's response.
In October 2021, LASP activated its regular helpline, 877-429-5994, as the legal aid helpline for Hurricane Ida in PA, in collaboration with MidPenn Legal Services, North Penn Legal Services (NPLS) and Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA). When a federal disaster is declared, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires one legal aid helpline per state per storm. All counties in LASP's service area, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, were part of the FEMA declaration, along with Bedford, Northampton, Philadelphia and York counties.
SEPA VOAD coordinates planning efforts and, during a disaster, matches community needs with services provided by member agencies. This cooperative effort is an effective way for a wide variety of organizations to work together in a crisis.
LASP's ongoing disaster relief work in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties is supported through a grant from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).
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Montgomery & Delaware counties announce rental assistance updates |
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On Feb. 10, Montgomery and Delaware counties announced changes to their rental assistance program.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Montgomery County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) applications are CLOSING April 1, 2023, according to an announcement from Your Way Home Montgomery County.
Applying for ERAP RECERTIFICATION?
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Last day to apply: Friday, March 31, 2023.
Making a NEW APPLICATION for ERAP?
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Last day to apply: Saturday, April 1, 2023.
DELAWARE COUNTY
Delco ERA has spent 100% of its funds & is CLOSING. (Applications closed Sept. 10, 2022.)
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Chester County Mobile Home Tax Reassessment Project is under way for 2023 |
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The Chester County Tax Reassessment Project is back in 2023! Apply by Thursday, July 13!
United Way of Chester County and Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) are helping mobile home owners in Chester County to file appeals of their property tax reassessments.
It's free! United Way of Chester County pays all the fees on behalf of the homeowners in the program. Legal Aid of Southeastern PA provides free legal services.
Your mobile home depreciates over time, but the tax authority does NOT lower your assessment unless you appeal. Since 2019, LASP and United Way of Chester County have helped mobile home owners in 903 successful appeals, lowered assessments by 70%, saved each mobile home owner an average of $872 on their annual taxes, and collectively saved these homeowners $8.1 million over the next 10 years.
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VILLANOVA - As part of a Pro Bono Innovation Fund transformation grant from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), LASP held a working session with Pro Bono Program stakeholders Feb. 24 at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. The afternoon session was guided by Gretchen Slusser, President of thredpartners.
Pro bono volunteers, county bar association leaders and community partners joined LASP Board and staff to discuss challenges and brainstorm potential solutions. Some of the topics discussed included volunteer recognition, mentorship for new pro bono attorneys, communications, and connecting volunteers with opportunities.
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LASP pro bono opportunities |
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BUCKS COUNTY: Pro bono attorneys needed for PFA hearings Wednesdays (in-person)
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DOYLESTOWN - Bucks County attorneys! PRO BONO opportunities are available for Wednesday, March 8, 15, 22 and/or 29!
This opportunity is to provide representation for plaintiffs at Protection from Abuse (PFA) hearings, which are held every Wednesday. CHOOSE ANY DAY(S)!
** LIMITED SCOPE opportunity, with no expectation of continued representation beyond the day of volunteer service.**
Hearings are at Bucks County Justice Center, 100 N. Main St., Doylestown, PA 18901.
To volunteer to represent plaintiffs, please contact Durene McCarty, LASP Bristol Office Manager and Assistant Pro Bono Coordinator, at dmccarty@lasp.org or 215-398-6757.
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If you have never volunteered before, contact LASP for training and mentorship!
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You can receive CLE credit for pro bono service!
The Bucks County Courts' unique program provides representation to both plaintiffs and defendants if they do not already have representation. (Contact the Bucks County Bar Association & Foundation to volunteer for the defense.)
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CHESTER COUNTY: Volunteer attorneys, paralegals, law students & community members needed for 2023 mobile home project
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The 2023 Mobile Home Tax Reassessment Project began in February and will continue through summer. Volunteer opportunities are available for attorneys, paralegals, law students and community members. Multiple opportunities are available, and you do NOT need to volunteer for all months of the project.
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Learn more about the project and its impact on our webpage.
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To volunteer, please contact Brian Doyle, Staff Attorney and Chester County Pro Bono Coordinator, at 484-416-4259 x5210 or bdoyle@lasp.org.
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DELAWARE COUNTY: Pro bono attorneys needed for custody cases
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY: Multiple opportunities
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Divorce cases | Custody cases
Willow Grove outreach
at the Eastern Montgomery County Courthouse Annex in Willow Grove on the second & fourth Thursday of the month from 2-3:30 p.m.
Learn more, or sign up!
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Consider volunteering with the LASP Pro Bono Program!
A LASP attorney will contact you to learn more about your interests and answer your questions. LASP is an accredited CLE provider! You can receive CLE credit for your volunteer service.
If you have never volunteered before, contact LASP for training and mentorship!
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Or sign up here, and a LASP Pro Bono Coordinator will contact you to follow up. |
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Mental Health & the Law
Pro Bono CLE
MEDIA - The Delaware County Bar Association Pro Bono Committee presented the CLE, "Mental Health & The Law: Keys to Effective Representation, Cross-Systems Advocacy & Recovery," Feb. 10 at the DCBA.
Topics included family law; criminal justice; the educational setting (K-12 schools and colleges); crisis; recovery; and our mental health system.
Panelists were (from left) Thomas Kerstan, LASP Staff Attorney & Delaware County Pro Bono Coordinator; Donna Cantor, private attorney, DCBA Pro Bono co-chair & LASP Board Member; Kate Bates, Chief of Social Services & Policy at the Delaware County Public Defender's Office; Jenna Smith, Assistant District Attorney and Chief of Mental Health Court; and Judge Tammi Forbes. Michael J. Harper (not shown) moderated the discussion.
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Thank you to Bucks Bar Foundation
DOYLESTOWN - Jeffrey A. Liebmann (at left), Bucks County Bar Foundation President, presents Shawn Boehringer, LASP Executive Director, with a donation from the BCBF. Thank you to the Foundation for this support!
The presentation was part of the Opening of Assizes CLE, "Come Together - Civility within the BCBA: Perspectives from the Bench, WLD, YLD, & Diversity Committee" on Feb. 9.
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Local bar association calendars
Stay tuned for CLEs in your area of practice or pro bono service!
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by Victoria Pfefferle-Gillot | The Legal Intelligencer | Feb. 6, 2023 |
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SNAP benefits are changing: You will get 1 payment per month starting in March 2023 |
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Do you receive SNAP benefits?
Emergency allotments ended!
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You will receive an extra payment in February 2023.
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You will get only ONE payment per month starting in March 2023. The extra payment that was part of the COVID-19 pandemic relief program is ending.
What is changing?
The extra SNAP payment, called “Emergency Allotment,” will end in February 2023. Starting in March 2023, only one SNAP payment will be loaded to your Electronic Balance Transfer (EBT) card in the first half of the month.
Call the state Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930 to verify the amount you will receive starting in March 2023.
What should I do?
Update your information with your County Assistance Office as soon as possible, so you receive all the benefits you are eligible for. (Your benefit amount is based on your income and the expenses the program allows you to report.) More details and resources are available on our website, or in the two-page flyer in English and Spanish.
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LASP resources on our website |
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In-person: Legal Clinic in Exton - March 8
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Wednesday, March 8 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
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at PA CareerLink of Chester County, 479 Thomas Jones Way, Suite 500, Exton, PA 19380
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Flyer (or click image at right)
EXTON - A free legal clinic is held on the second Wednesday of each month, through June 2023: Wednesday, March 8, April 12, May 10, and June 14.
The clinics are a partnership between LASP, United Way of Chester County's Financial Stability Center, and PA CareerLink of Chester County.
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Hybrid: Veterans Clinic with Coatesville VA & virtual - March 8
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Wednesdays, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13, 2023 from 9:30-11 a.m.
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Two-page flyer (or click image at right)
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Please call 610-383-0289 to schedule, or visit 1400 Blackhorse Hill Road, Building 57, Room 232, Coatesville, PA, 19320. Walk-ins are also welcome.
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Zoom login: bit.ly/va-veterans-clinics-2023 (Meeting ID: 824 6750 9878 | Passcode: 832781)
COATESVILLE - LASP's monthly legal clinics with the Coatesville VA will be the second Wednesday of each month in 2023. A referral by social worker, clinician or case manager is suggested but not necessary. The clinics are part of the medical center's Veterans Justice Outreach Program, which connects Veterans with VA health care services.
Questions? Contact VA staff members Diana Zinnie (Chester County) at 484-744-3442, Rhonda Sanford (Montgomery County) at 484-667-1988, or Lily Thomas (Delaware County) at 610-496-5007.
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In-person: Legal Clinic in Willow Grove - March 9 & 23
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Thursday, March 9 & 23 from 2-3:30 p.m.
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at Willow Grove Courthouse Annex, 102 N. York Road, Suite 303, Willow Grove, PA 19090
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Flyer (or click image at right)
WILLOW GROVE- A free legal clinic will be held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 2-3:30 p.m.
The clinic is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
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To schedule a 30-minute appointment with an attorney, contact Erika Felpel at 484-275-0672 or efelpel@lasp.org.
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Have a question about the clinic? Contact Kathryn Palladino at 484-209-0892 or kpalladino@lasp.org.
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In-person: Expungement Clinic in Lansdowne - March 9
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Thursday, March 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Twentieth Century Club of Lansdowne, 84 S. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, PA 19050
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RSVP is required. To register, call 610-544-6120.
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Flyer (or click image at right)
LANSDOWNE - State Sen. Tim Kearney and Rep. Gina H. Curry are hosting a free Expungement Clinic in partnership with LASP. The clinic will help community members learn if record expungement might be an option for them.
You are eligible for an expungement if you meet these qualifications:
- You must have no open/current criminal charges.
- You must not be serving probation.
- Certain misdemeanor convictions can be sealed after 10 years without new convictions if no money is owed on the case.
- Please note: Only non-conviction charges, including ARD, or summary convictions with no arrest in the past five years can be expunged. Depending on your individual case, future filing fees may apply.
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In-person: Legal Clinic in Pottstown - March 13 & 20
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Monday, March 13 & March 20 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- at Christ Episcopal Church, 316 E. High St., Pottstown, PA 19464
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Flyer (or click image at right)
POTTSTOWN - LASP will hold two legal clinics in Pottstown in March. 'The outreaches are located in the church kitchen during Essential Pantry (food pantry) and hot meal.
The clinic will provide free legal services for individuals with low incomes & those who are experiencing homelessness.
Have a question about the clinic? Contact Lisa Whalen at 484-816-4091 or lwhalen@lasp.org.
Note: LASP holds a regular legal outreach at the same time and place on the 2nd Monday of each month! {The legal outreach is NOT being held April 10 but will return May 8.)
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In-person: Job Support Fair at Chester County Library in Exton - March 14
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Tuesday, March 14 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
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at Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA 19341
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Register for workshops or individual help: tiny.cc/jobsupportfair
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Flyer (or click image at right)
EXTON - Join the Chester County Library for a day dedicated to helping you get a job!
LASP Staff Attorney Deborah Steeves will present a workshop, Criminal Record Management for Job Seekers, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn:
- How to clear your criminal record to help with employment opportunities
- Actual review to determine what can be done to remove criminal charges.
- How on Earth do I talk about my criminal record?
- How to use your criminal record that cannot be cleared to the best advantage.
Other workshops will include Resume Writing and the Job Search, Navigating Education and Financial Aid Decisions, How to Find a Job without Relying on a Resume, LinkedIn for Job Seekers, Introduction to Excel, and Intermediate Excel.
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In-person: Expungement Clinic at Upper Moreland Library - March 14
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Tuesday, March 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- at Upper Moreland Library, 109 Park Avenue, Willow Grove, PA 19090
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Flyer (or click image at right)
UPPER MORELAND - Looking to clean up your record? Join us for an expungement clinic hosted by the offices of PA Rep. Nancy Guenst, Sen. Maria Collett, the Montgomery County Public Defenders, and Legal Aid of Southeastern PA.
Appointment is required. Call Sen. Collett's office to make an appointment at 215-368-1429. Please provide name and date of birth when making an appointment.
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In-person: Women Veterans Health & Wellness Fair at St. Joseph's University - March 24
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Friday, March 24 from 3-7 p.m.
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at St. Joseph's University. Enter through Doyle Banquet Hall entrance (Campion Student Center), 5600 City Ave., Philadelphia 19131.
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Flyer (or click image at right)
PHILADELPHIA - Join the VA, VetCenter, Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC) and LASP for a free WOMEN VETERANS HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR.
Elizabeth Tarloski, LASP Veterans Advocacy Project Staff Attorney, and Kimberly Hollenback, LASP VOCA Supervising Attorney & Media Office Managing Attorney, will present information on legal issues facing women Vets, including VA benefits and domestic violence.
For questions, contact Shardae Wescott at 484-744-3269.
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Annum O. Yasin, Staff Attorney |
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BRISTOL - Annum O. Yasin joined LASP's Bristol Office in January as Staff Attorney, with a focus on public benefits. She holds a J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, where she was a member of the Phi Epsilon Delta Fraternity and Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She earned her B.A. in psychology from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. She worked as an undergraduate assistant in Otterbein's Psychology Dept. At Ohio State University, she was an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Dept. of Radiology, assisting in DNA repair research projects. Annum served as Legal Fellow for CAIR-Washington in Seattle and Legal Support Specialist at Mudita Legal in Thornton, Colorado. She was a volunteer lawyer with New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) in New York City. In Columbus, Ohio, she was a legal intern with Operation Legal Help Ohio, focusing on landlord-tenant and family law issues in the Ohio Veteran community, and the DuBose Law Firm, LLC, where she performed health law legal research. She is fluent in English, Spanish, Urdu, and Punjabi. Annum can be reached at 215-770-4078 or ayasin@lasp.org. |
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New Staff Orientation at Tyler Arboretum |
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MEDIA - LASP held a New Staff Orientation for 14 new (and relatively new) staff Feb. 9 at Tyler Arboretum, Delaware County. It marked the first in-person orientation since the start of the pandemic. Held in the Barn Loft, Executive Director Shawn Boehringer presented a CLE on the history of legal aid and ethics.
Guest Jayme Cassidy, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) Executive Director, challenged staff to build connections on a national level. Additional staff attended Shawn and Jayme's presentations virtually.
New staff received a broad overview of development and communications; community engagement, veterans, domestic violence and regional housing efforts; funding and compliance; case priorities and advocacy manual highlights; Pro Bono Program; intake and Language Line; human resources and fiscal operations.
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Above: Jayme Cassidy, PA Legal Aid Network (PLAN) Executive Director, encourages staff to take a leadership role in legal aid. Below: Shawn Boehringer presents a legal aid history and ethics CLE. |
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Some of the presenters (from left): Erica Briant, Director of Community Engagement & Training; Shawn Boehringer, Executive Director; Carolyn Johnson, Chief Counsel; Jayme Cassidy, PLAN Executive Director; Erika Becker, Staff Attorney & Grants Compliance Specialist; Jennifer Pierce, Pro Bono Director; Elise Wilson-Coles, Human Resources Manager; and John Farrell, Grants Compliance Specialist. |
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Reentry, Resetting & Redemption
WEST CHESTER - The fifth Reentry, Resetting & Redemption Expungement and Pardon Clinic was held Feb. 15 at West Chester University's Sykes Student Union.
Panelists included Jonathan King, CEO of Safe Corridors in Chester City, Delaware County; Saad Soliman, social entrepreneur and executive leader; PA Sen. John Kane; and a PA pardon recipient.
Audience members heard reentry success stories and gained inspiration for their own reentry journeys. LASP's Community Engagement Unit held an Expungement and Pardon Clinic following presentations.
Pictured: Saad Soliman shares his inspiring story. Megan Reinprecht, Community Engagement Unit Staff Attorney, followed up with information on the pardon process and clinic logistics.
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Crime Victims Center of Chester County, Inc. presents award to LASP attorney
WEST CHESER - The Crime Victims Center of Chester County, Inc. honored LASP Chester County Managing Attorney Rachel Houseman with the 2022 Peggy Gusz Victims’ Advocacy Award on Feb. 28. The Peggy Gusz Award was created in 2018 to recognize Margaret “Peggy” Gusz’s longtime victim advocacy efforts since CVC was formed in 1973. Peggy helped give a voice to victims when their needs went unmet and helped change the attitudes of law enforcement professionals, medical professionals and the legal system toward victims.
From left: Rachel Houseman, LASP Chester County Managing Attorney; Stephanie Morris, Esq., CVC Board President; and Christine Zaccarelli, CVC Chief Executive Officer.
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Current openings
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Fiscal Director and Accounting/HR Administrator ~ both Norristown
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Veterans Advocacy Project Staff Attorney ~ Chester City, Delaware County
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VOCA Staff Attorney ~ Bristol
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Staff Attorney ~ Pottstown
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Regional Staff Attorney (local offices)
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Paralegals ~ Norristown, Helpline in Norristown, & West Chester
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Executive Administrative Assistant ~ Norristown
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E-news is published 11-12 times per year.
Questions or feedback? Contact Marion Hoffman Fraley, Communications Director & Editor, at mfraley@lasp.org.
Photo: Tyler Arboretum, Delaware County
(by Ann Tydeman-Solomon, February 2023)
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Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
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Copyright ©2023. All Rights Reserved. |
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