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LASP Helps Keep Mr. Jones in His Home
Mr. Jones* is 79. He took out a reverse mortgage some time ago, but became confused about which tax payments he made, and which he did not make. As a result, he missed a tax payment and the lender filed to take his house through foreclosure.
His LASP attorney forestalled the foreclosure while he helped Mr. Jones obtain accurate records of his payments and learn how much he actually owed. Mr. Jones was able to make a payment plan for his taxes, and the foreclosure was withdrawn. He remains in his home.
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Your donation to LASP brings hope -
and real solutions
-- to people who cannot afford an attorney. You are helping people facing life changing legal problems.
*Name has been changed, but the story is real.
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May 23rd Federal Budget Proposal Eliminates Legal Services
President Trump's FY2018 "budget blueprint" released in March proposed defunding Legal Services Corporation (LSC). The full budget proposal released on May 23 has called for LSC's elimination, allocating only enough to conduct a closeout.
LASP is facing a potential loss of 40% of its budget which would mean deep cuts in services for residents in each of the counties that we serve. This includes services to seniors victimized by consumer scams, women needing protection orders from abusive spouses, and veterans seeking earned benefits who turn to civil legal aid offices for help.
If you have questions about how funding changes may impact LASP, please be in touch. You can email Executive Director Elizabeth Fritsch at
efritsch@lasp.org
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Life Expectancy Can Vary Depending On Where You Live
New research shows significant disparities in the life spans of Americans depending on where they live. In 2014, there was a spread of 20.1 years between the counties with the longest and shortest typical life spans based on life expectancy at birth. Counties with the shortest life expectancy tend to have communities that are poorer and less educated.
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Goodbye, Ellie!
We're so sad to see our beloved Eleonor Glasco go. Ellie has officially retired after
more than 43 years with Legal Aid as a paralegal. We wish her all the very best!
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Highlights from the Counties
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Bucks County
LASP hosted a Birth Certificate Clinic on May 5 at the Bucks County Free Library in Levittown. Pro Bono attorneys joined LASP attorneys in helping 43 people complete their applications. Without a birth certificate, access to health care, public benefits, and even a driver's license can be nearly impossible.
Many thanks to our volunteers for their time and expertise -- Frank Sullivan, Jeremy Puglia, Bianca Roberto, Josephine Lee, Breandan Q. Nemec, Rosemary Sullivan, Esq, LASP Board Member, and Stephanie Schwartzberg, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Penn Community Bank.
We're grateful to
Penn Community Bank and
Hill Wallack LLP for sponsoring the clinic.
___________________________________________________
One of LASP's dedicated volunteer attorneys was profiled in the most recent issue of the
Writs.
You can read about
María Judith Rodríguez-Martyak
and her advocacy for access to justice for the Spanish-speaking community
here
.
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Chester County
It's time to get those running shoes ready ... Trial Run 2017 is coming! The13th Annual 5K Race is happening on June 10 - and
it's only $8 if you register before June 1.
Support Legal Aid, get some great exercise, and HAVE FUN!
Visit
www.trialrun5k.lasp.org
to register.
THANK YOU to our event sponsor MacElree Harvey, Ltd.!
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Delaware County
LASP was recently awarded funding from the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) program to expand services for victims of domestic violence in Delaware County.
Sarah Coyle, Esq., has been hired as a full time Protection From Abuse (PFA) attorney in LASP's Chester, Delaware County office.
LASP has also established a countywide toll free PFA Helpline
(1-855-879-3100) to make it easier for domestic abuse victims in Delaware County to connect directly with Ms. Coyle. Callers will be able to obtain information on filing for a PFA, get legal advice directly related to their situation, be informed of other services such as the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, and set up an appointment for a one to one consultation with Ms. Coyle.
Ms. Coyle will represent people at their PFA court hearings. Victims of domestic violence who have legal representation are more likely to obtain a protective order, and one that is stronger and lasts longer.
"We're hoping to create more access for victims of domestic violence, and increase awareness that this is a remedy that is available to them," said Ms. Coyle. "They don't have to flee from where they're living or settle for something temporary. There are these protections, and we are out here to help them get them," she added.
The PFA Helpline is available during business hours (9:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m.). Callers who must leave a message will receive a return call within eight business hours.
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Montgomery County
There are two great opportunities in June to support LASP's work in Montgomery County!
June 1
The Montgomery Bar Foundation presents
Lawyerpalooza, a 30th Anniversary Concert event and benefit at the Ardmore Music Hall. Support LASP and the justice-related causes in our community while seeing attorneys release their inner rock stars!
June 23
The Montgomery Bar Foundation and the Montgomery Bar Association present the
2017 The Legal Aid Golf Classic at the Bluestone Country Club. Tee up to support LASP!
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