Staying Safe at Home - lascinti.org
Transcript of Staying Safe at Home - lascinti.org
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Staying Safe at Home
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC
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DEAR FRIENDS:2020 was an extraordinary year; it tested us in myriad unexpected ways. Overnight, many in our community lost their livelihoods, and were at risk of losing their housing and their health from this once-in-a-century pandemic.
Throughout the past year, Legal Aid remained open to keep clients safe and stable in their homes. We increased our outreach to the community and invested in technology to enable our staff to work and connect remotely with clients and partner organizations.
This Annual Report features our work to prevent homelessness, income and food insecurity, and education inequalities that COVID exacerbated. Our attorneys also continued to represent survivors of partner abuse and at-risk children.
We focused our efforts to keep people safely housed by preventing evictions and foreclosures. We advocated for emergency assistance funds and collaborated with our partners to help renters access the funding quickly. We also focused on securing food and income assistance. We helped eligible families obtain both regular and pandemic unemployment benefits as well as federal relief checks.
In a remote learning environment, lack of technological access hampers school success. Our education team pivoted to ensure that students, especially those in foster care, got the appropriate internet access and devices, as well as the special education services they needed to continue to make academic progress.
Legal Aid continues to serve our clients to help them regain financial and family stability. The outpouring of support we received was essential to our continued ability to resolve these major client issues. Thank you to our donors, funders, partner organizations, and volunteer attorneys for all you contributed to help us realize our mission during this difficult year.
Mary Asbury Adam HallExecutive Director President
The mission of the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati is to resolve serious legal problems of low-income people, to promote economic and family stability,
and to reduce poverty through effective legal assistance.
Cover Photo: Client Tabitha Hodge and her son Adryan visit Legal Aid
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In a pandemic, being able to stay safe at home matters. For many of us, home meant a stable place to work and learn remotely, a place that offered protection against a life-threatening virus.
Our low-income clients’ ability to stay safe at home was in jeopardy. Low-wage workers in service industries were the first to lose jobs in last spring’s shutdown. Working mothers had to stay home when schools abruptly closed. Without income, they could not pay the rent or the mortgage and were at risk of becoming homeless.
Legal Aid spent the balance of 2020 working to keep people in their residences and financially stable. We learned to communicate in new ways, adapted to tele-hearings, and developed digital resources for clients on our website: https://www.lascinti.org/get-help/coronavirus-information/. Here is a brief look at how we continued our advocacy in a year when it has never been more important.
Preventing EvictionsThe number of families living in poverty in our community remains high. 50% of the population of Cincinnati and 35% of Hamilton County have incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty limit. Many of these families were already in financially precarious situations, one emergency away from a potential eviction.
Pre-COVID, Legal Aid advocated for $582,973 in cash assistance funds from local governmental agencies to help families prevent an eviction.
While the shutdown stopped evictions for several months, courts reopened in July and we faced a flood of eviction filings. Once CARES Act rent
assistance funding became available, we and our partner agencies, Community Action Agency, St. Vincent de Paul, and Talbert House, were racing against time to process individual rental assistance applications and get the money to landlords to prevent evictions for the families.
To respond to the unprecedented demand, we reassigned staff attorneys along with our summer law clerks to assist clients. Simultaneously, we negotiated with property owners to accept the funds and dismiss evictions. Thanks to a concerted effort, over 750 people were able to stay safely housed.
Staying Safe at Home
Legal Aid Attorney John Altman and his client appear before Magistrate Purcell at Hamilton County Municipal Court
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A 2019 study by the Cincinnati Project found that in Hamilton County, fewer than 3% of tenants had attorney representation in eviction court. Of the tenants who go to court on their own, 99% lose. Having attorney representation is the critical factor in preventing an eviction, and every day multiple Legal Aid attorneys represent clients at eviction court. Our housing team successfully defended 360 clients last year, enabling them to remain in their current residence or choose to move to another affordable housing unit.
Preventing ForeclosuresLow to moderate-income families fell behind on their mortgage payments due to pandemic-related job loss. We assisted these homeowners to obtain emergency mortgage assistance and get financial counseling. We also negotiated with lenders for loan modifications and reinstatement of the mortgages, ensuring the continuation of affordable homeownership.
Legal Aid’s foreclosure prevention representation promotes racial equity in our communities by preserving minority homeownership, and helps stabilize historically Black neighborhoods.
Our foreclosure prevention efforts reduced economic hardship and preserved what is often the major family asset for 157 families. This total was 55% higher than the prior year.
Mitigating Financial InsecurityCOVID-related job losses were sudden and unexpected, affecting families who never before required assistance. Many needed help establishing eligibility for unemployment, food, and medical benefits. Others, especially those with disabilities, or who were otherwise eligible but not in the IRS database, needed help obtaining federal relief checks.
In 2020, we opened 285 unemployment cases, a number higher than the last five years combined, and recovered over $432,000 in benefits for those clients. We also helped families obtain pandemic payments to replace the value of the meals their children would have received at school while schools were shut down or operating remotely.
Access to EducationThe emergence of COVID-19 followed by the statewide shut down exacerbated existing education equity issues for low-income children in our community. The transition to remote schooling disrupted learning for low-income households. Foster parents were particularly challenged to meet the education needs of multiple children in various
Legal Aid Attorneys Zach Frye (left) and Nick DiNardo (right) leaving Hamilton County Courthouse
Alexandra Apartment Tenant Council Members from left to right: Trent Arthur, George Smith, and Janella Johnson
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school settings. Many had jobs they could not keep if they had to support remote schooling. There were persistent problems with technology, including access to the devices and bandwidth necessary to complete assignments. Students with disabilities were often unable to make academic progress through remote or blended learning options. Many rely on mental and behavioral health sessions but these services were either suspended or virtual.
To respond to this need, Legal Aid focused on promoting access to equitable, appropriate education services for students. We conducted special education meetings over video platforms to continue to represent our clients effectively. We also
Making an ImpactMany families needed help with multiple issues. Losing a job didn’t just mean inability to pay the mortgage or rent, it meant inability to pay utilities or to feed children. Often, Legal Aid attorneys worked together to address all of these family needs. One client’s experience reflects our comprehensive approach.
Furloughed from her job due to the COVID shutdown and seven and half months pregnant, Tabitha Hodge was soon unable to pay her mortgage or feed her children. Her family was at risk of becoming homeless.
instituted bi-weekly calls with special education administrators to share information and raise questions and concerns about education services. We reached out to students in foster care to make sure they stayed connected to their schools.
We also expanded our outreach to promote important information such as: how and where to get free and reduced cost meals once schools shut down, how to get access to electronic devices, and where to get WIFI. We disseminated information to assist parents, caregivers, community partners, and other professionals in dealing with school-related concerns.
Good Samaritan Hospital staff referred Tabitha to Legal Aid through our Maternal Health Law Partnership (M-HeLP). Senior Attorney Colleen Swim secured emergency mortgage assistance funds for Tabitha and then helped her obtain mortgage forbearance to suspend payments temporarily. Attorney Kristin Riebsomer helped her apply for crucial unemployment, SNAP, childcare, and Medicaid benefits. Thanks to Colleen and Kristin’s efforts, Tabitha and her growing family remained safe, housed, and fed.
Client Tabitha Hodge (left) talks with Attorney Kristin Riebsomer (middle) and Senior Attorney Colleen Swim (right)
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$5,000+ Anonymous ¢¢
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Ohio Chapter
Michael S. & Lissa CambronRobert E. & Brynne F. Coletti - - -
Chris & Valerie DeLucaRandy & Sue Freking ++
GE Foundation Graydon
Paul Heldman & Deborah Kirshner +
The Kroger Co.Legal Aid Staff
Deborah & John Majoras ++Francie & John Pepper +
Harry H. Santen
$2,500-$4,999Mary Asbury & Robert Newman ++
Liz Lanier Blake ++John & Shirlie Briggs
The Rev. Noel Julnes Dehner & Joseph Dehner +
Alan S. FershtmanKate Furlong & Jim Walker
Julie Rosselot GorlaAdam & Karla Hall
Mr. & Mrs. David C. HornBarbara & Timothy Juenke
Dottie & Gene LewisAmar Patel
Hon. Kathleen M. Rodenberg & Albert J. Rodenberg, Jr.Sally & Andrew Shott
$1,000-$2,499Anonymous ++
James M. Anderson •Melvin & Kathleen Bedree
J. Kenneth & Rosa E. Blackwell +Ginger Bock Rea for Judge
Jennifer L. BranchJennifer Branch for Judge
George & Kathleen BrinkmanMatthew Brownfield & Hon. Karen LitkovitzDaniel J. Buckley & Ann Marie Tracey •
Doreen CantonDot ChristensonJennifer Chubinski
Barbara J. Cook & Michael MooneySally & Thomas Cuni
Richard Druffel ++Lori K. ElliottJames E. EvansKaren Faaborg
Lissy Fabe & Chris Taylor +William FarleySue Friedlander
Kathryn GibbonsMeredith GillespieGerry Greene +
Guy C. GuckenbergerGary & JoAnn Hagopian +++
Barbara & Guy M. HildRob & Julie Johnson
William C.H. Joiner +Stephanie Jones
Sandra Kaltman & John Isidor ¢Donald P. & Marianne Klekamp
Jerry Lawson & Barb RintoKurt Louis
Earle & Sharon MaimanKelly Malone
Marlene Penny Manes ¢Michael A. Marrero
Robert W. Maxwell IISteve Olden
R. Gregory & Donna Park +Margaret Polanski
Carlos RamosGregory L. Rhodes &
Sallie E. Westheimer +Dianne & J. David Rosenberg +
Nicole Sanders for JudgeThomas R. Schiff +
John J. Schiff, Jr. Meredith Schnug & Chris Lahna
Ruth & John SchriderAnn E. Schulte ++
Susan SpriggLisa Staggenborg & Fred Yaeger
Vince & Ann StampPeter J. Stern +David B. Walker
Steve F. Warkany ++David & Ginger Warner
Barbara G. WattsChristine & Bryan WheatleyWood Herron & Evans, LLP
$500-$999Anonymous ++
Alan AbesDr. & Mrs. Taylor Asbury
Patricia A. Baas
Milo R. BeranMarianna Brown Bettman Richard
BoydstonTimothy M. Burke
Tom & Cathy CrainDavid C. Cramer
Gary & Marjorie DaviesPaul DeMarco & Karen Smith +
William O. DeWitt, Jr.Hon. Susan J. Dlott &
Stanley ChelseyStuart Dornette
Chantal Dubois & Christopher M. Pogue
Martiné R. DunnJim & Bobbie Farley
Marcus K. Felson & Mary A. Eckert Elaine Fink & Robert Shapiro James
Paul Franz & Shari LooC. Frooman
A. Scott FruechtemeyerSusanne E. Geier
Marcheta Lee Gillam & Joseph H. Feldhaus
Drew Gores & George Warrington Erin Heidrich
Anne P. HeldmanMark & Karen Jahnke +Nancy & Joseph Jerardi
Drs. Robert & Jessica Kahn* David P.& Eileen J. Kamp
Judge Eva D. Kessler & Thomas C. Eberwein
Ed Marks ¢Melvin E. Marmer
Raymond & Madelynn Matlock Kevin N. McMurrayLeslie McNeill
Stephen M. NechemiasMark & Joy Norman
Col OwensVivek Ramaswamy
Matthew & Pamela RiceFred & Marie Robbins
Carol W. RobertsJeffrey B. Rubenstein
Jean Sepate & Peter Djuric D’Shon Shapiro
Elizabeth StautbergElizabeth & Joe Stewart-Pirone Carl Stich & Amelia Banister ++ David C.
StimsonBrian ThompsonSusan Thompson
Caroline Idinopulos Vigran ++
Barbara Wagner & William C. Partin -Debora Wagner
James & George Ann Wesner ++Matthew Whitlow
Jeffrey & Linda Wyler - -
$250-$499AK Steel Foundation
Ali AnoffJeffrey S. Bakst
Katherine Greiner BarnesTerri Feldman Barr &
Robert B. BarrC. Francis BarrettKathy Beckman
Jay BeechTheresa BeresfordPhyllis G. Bossin
Robert W. BuechnerBeverly Campbell
Ronald & Vicki Christian +Clifton United Methodist Church
Cynthia ColeMichael & Tucker Coombe +
Anthony & Susan CovattaZoe Curry
Mike & Lisa Debbeler Christine Dickey & Stephen Griffith
Nick DiNardoEarthward Bound Foundation
Robert Gray EdmistonJohn W. Eilers
Jean E. Feinberg*Margaret Fibbe
Renee Filiatraut & John J. Williams Michael & Suzette Fisher ¢
Katherine FogartyHon. J. Patrick Foley III
Jonathan & Chelsea FordVanessa Freytag +++
Jill & Jack FuchsDon & Jane GardnerRoger & Nancy Gates
Alphonse A. Gerhardstein & Mimi Gingold +++Sarah K. GideonseRalph P. Ginocchio
Steven & Shelley GoldsteinBrett C. Goodson -
Goodson Company, Ltd.Judith B. Green
Will Groneman & Maureen Flanagan +++
THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 ANNUAL FUND DONORS
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Michael S. Hall, Esq.John L. Heilbrun
Dave & Nancy Hemminger ++Joseph D. Heyd
Mr. Patrick M. Hornschemeier & Hon. Margaret A. Clark
Barbara J. Howard Co. LPAMary & Bill Ivers
Karen JerardiJurisdiction-Wide Resident
Advisory BoardAndy & Elaine Kaplan +++
Marcia & Jim KennedyBruce & Elizabeth Krone
M. Lynn LampeBea V. Larsen
George D. & Janmarie V. LeikaufTimothy LomisonDeborah R. Lydon
Tim ManganLisa & David S. McPherson ++
Steph MillerCatherine Laura Mitchell
Paul MuethingBeth A. Myers & Michael P. Keefe •
Beth Schneider Naylor & Richard D. Naylor
Kate NolanMichael J. O’Hara
Megan & David Okun ++Anthony L. Osterlund
Mark PattersonJanet E. Pecquet RodenPenny & Myles Pensak
Alice PerlmanJohn Pinney & Lyn Marsteller
Pamela W. PoppMr. & Mrs. R. Patrick Riley
Susan Segaard RogersMarvin RosenbergJack Sherman, Jr.Mary G. ShukairyBeth Silverman
John S. & Carolyn Liles StithGabrielle Strand
Mary Beth & Thomas SundermannWoodrow H. Uible
Mark & Barbara Vander LaanKaren Wachs
John M. WilliamsJulie & Russell Wilson
Don Yelton & Ann SalukeThomas R. Yocum
Up to $250Anonymous
Liz & Hank Alexander
Mike AllenJane S. Anderson
Drs. Carolyn & Arthur K. AsburyDr. Helen Asbury
Paula & Matthew AyerRick Bachhuber, Jr.
Ann & Todd Bailey ++Cassandra Barham
Rachel BarrJames R. Barton
James D. Beaton, Jr.Laura & Joshua BeranJinny & John BertenSteve & Susan Black
Peter M. & Randal S. Bloch ¢¢¢Melissa BoschertDyland BradleyDebbie Brooks
John & Rhoda BrooksMr. & Mrs. Edward L. Burdell
Tom CalderBonnie G. Camden
Shannon & Lee CarterEileen & Jim Chalfie ¢
Susan ChoeJulie & John Cohen
Julia CollierSr. Kathryn Ann Connelly, SC
L. Barry CorsDonald Crain
Alva Jean CrawfordLaura CrosthwaiteCandace Crouse
Gerry DalyOlivia Davis
Karen DemerlyBrenda Dunlap & Ron McHenry
Larry EllemanDavid J.& Toni J. Eyrich
Dawn A. FinchMary & Bob Fitzpatrick
Robert FleckTy L. Foster
E.J. FoxJ. Neal Gardner
Vallie & Rodney Geier +++Camille Gill
Michael S. GlassmanRobert A. GoeringEllen Greene-TomLindsay Gustavson
Herbert J. HaasPaul Haffner
Thomas HankinsonMichael A. HirschfeldDaniel J. Hoffheimer
Florette B. Hoffheimer
Jon HoffheimerPatty Hogan
John & Wendy HolschuhRichard Jefferson, Jr.
Jeannie JyurovatDrs. Marcia Kaplan &
Michael PriviteraEmily Kennedy
Steve & Ann KislingFranklin A. Klaine, Jr.
Scott E. KnoxSarah Ann KokengeHarold G. Korbee
Anthony R. KremerAnnette KrochmalnyCatherine Labmeier &
Michael StillionRichard & Madeleine LaJeunesse
Suzanne & Steve LakampElizabeth Tull Laureano
Mrs. John T. Lawrence, Jr.Doloris & Bill Learmonth
John & Marian LeiboldDr. Phil & Barbara Lichtenstein
Kimberly LingarEllen Lipstein*
David & Margaret Lopez ++Duncan E. MacRae
Jim MahonBetsy & David Mann
Mona E. Mansour, MDPeter Margolis & Myrita Craig*
Sue MarkleyEvelyne Martial & Paul Alexander
Paul & Beth MattinglyDonna & Neal Mayerson
Holly MazzoccaChrista Parker McAndrew*
Frederick J. McGavranColleen McGuine
Eberly McMahon CopetasJulia B. Meister ++
Joseph MeliaGeorge F. Moeller
Rhonda Moore & Thomas BedallElizabeth Mulcahy & Patrick Noser
Pat & Pam NavinElizabeth Asbury Newman
Shawn NewmanLois & Mel Nizny*Daniel E. Nolan
Rick & Diana OberschmidtAlana O’KoonDimity Orlet
David & Monica OwensR. Joseph ParkerSusan & Dan Pfau
Myra D. PhillipsConnie PillichCathy Rafales
Becca RansohoffBrewster Rhoads & Ann Lugbill +
James K. RiceKristin Riebsomer
Louise M. & Gary A. RoselleTara & Keith Rosnell
Bethany RuffAmy Z. Sansbury
Alan & Marjorie SchneiderSusan Schonfeld
Ken SeibelJ. D. Seibert & Co., Inc.
Cynthia A. ShaferLaVerne Shaffer
Jane & Kevin SheaMr. William D. Sherman
Jeff & Susie ShoskinMelvin ShottenRobert Sikorski
Mark L. SilbersackElizabeth C.B. & Paul G. Sittenfeld
Mark B. SmithBrenda Smith
Robert & Lisa SteinbergGil Stevens
Mr. & Mrs. Laurence G. StillpassHarry Sudman
Ivan L. TamarkinMorley & Brenda Thompson
Barbara & Tom Tobias +Marty Tomb
Jack L. TuckerMary V.S. WagnerLona J. Valentine
Christopher Wagner & Nora Burke Wagner
Anne Marie & Richard WagnerJohn Warrington
Christopher & Gina WatkinsHon. Herman J. Weber
Tom Weeks & Elizabeth CopleyBob Wehling
William K. WeisenbergGeorge B. Wilkinson
Carol L. WillisBeatrice Winkler
Drs. Lawson & Victoria WulsinMichael Yeazell
Dawn & Jim YunkerDan Zavon
Barry H. ZimmerPeggy Zink ++
Harry B. Zornow
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation +Fidelity Charitable ++Charles Schwab +++
National Philanthropic Trust -Wyler Family Foundation - -
The Brynne & Robert Coletti Fund - - -
Johnson Charitable •Jewish Federation ¢Goldman Sachs ¢¢
Dayton Foundation ¢¢¢Child HeLP*
The Legal Aid Society appreciates the generosity of donors who contributed to the Annual Fund from February 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021. Every effort has been made to list donors and respect anonymous contributions as requested. Please forgive any unintended errors and notify us of changes by calling (513) 362-2815.
All private donation income is used in support of our mission, and in accordance with Legal Services Corporation and other funder regulations.
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MEMORIAL & HONORARIUM GIFTSHonorarium Gifts
In honor of Mary AsburyDrs. Carolyn & Arthur K. Asbury
Dr. Helen AsburyVanessa Freytag
George & Kathy WilkinsonDawn & Jim Yunker
In honor of Lindsay BaruffaJeannie Jyurovat
In honor of Patty & Milo BeranLaura, Josh, Gigi, & Mila Beran
In honor of Daniel J. BuckleyGeorge & Kathleen Brinkman
In honor of Cynthia A. ColeThe Rev. Noel Julnes Dehner &
Joseph Dehner
In honor of Nick DiNardo, Stephanie Moes, & John Schrider
Zoe Curry
In honor of Jean FeinbergJean Sepate & Peter Djuric
In honor of Stephen R. FelsonMarcus K. Felson & Mary A. Eckert
In honor of Elaine FinkJean E. Feinberg
In honor of Elaine Fink, Melissa Salamon,
Elizabeth Tull LaureanoZoe Curry
In honor of Gerry GreeneEileen & Jim ChalfieJulie & John CohenEllen Greene-Tom
Alan & Marjorie Schneider
In honor of Adam P. HallDonald CrainSue Markley
In honor of Paul HeldmanAnne P. Heldman
In honor of Andrew M. KaplanWoodrow H. Uible
In honor of Donald P. KlekampRobert E. & Brynne F. Coletti
Jim & Bobbie FarleyRobert & Mamie Maxwell
Paul & Terri Muething
In honor of Bea LarsenDoloris & Bill Learmonth
In honor of Earle Jay MaimanSharon Maiman
In honor of Michael A. MarreroRichard & Madeleine LaJeunesse
In honor of R. Collins OwensChristine Dickey & Stephen Griffith
In honor of the P&G Global Legal & Government Relations Team
Deborah & John Majoras
In honor of Harry SantenFlorette B. Hoffheimer
In honor of John SchriderJurisdiction-Wide Resident
Advisory Board
In honor of Christine WheatleyThe Kroger Co.
In honor of Deanna WhiteElizabeth Asbury Newman
Memorial GiftsIn memory of Sharon Barker
David B. Walker
In memory of Judge Gilbert BettmanMarianna Brown Bettman
In memory of Leo J. BreslinJames C. Frooman
In memory of George W. FelsRichard Boydston
In memory of George FloydJudith B. Green
In memory of William FowlerChristopher & Gina Watkins
In memory of Ray GronemanWill Groneman & Maureen Flanagan
In memory of Tim HickeyFriends of Kristin
In memory of Ruth & Donald KahnDrs. Robert & Jessica Kahn
In memory of William J. Keating, Jr. & William J. Keating, Sr.
Robert & Mamie Maxwell
In memory of Sue LivenspargerKathryn Gibbons
Evelyne Martial & Paul AlexanderDaniel E. Nolan
In memory of Suzanne McGuineColleen McGuine
In memory of John McNallyKen Seibel
In memory of Todd PortuneMarlene Penny Manes
In memory of John ShafferLaVerne Shaffer
In memory of Martha Allen StimsonDavid C. Stimson
In memory of Sheldon StrandGabrielle Strand
In memory of Michael SweenyAlan & Ann Fershtman
In memory of Carrie TroianoMichael S. Hall
In memory of Stanton VollmanHarold G. Korbee
In memory of Harris & Virginia K. WestonCarol W. Roberts
In memory of Dr. Henry WinklerBeatrice Winkler
In memory of Mary Lou WolfPatricia A. BaasKelly Malone
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BROWN 290 35 100 54 12 121
BUTLER 2,737 194 890 763 109 1,243
CLERMONT 1,020 89 297 225 69 247
CLINTON 282 58 87 46 10 47
HAMILTON 13,934 946 3,254 3,656 917 2,955
HIGHLAND 203 47 57 42 3 24
WARREN 645 54 232 134 27 132
OTHER 1,873 46 744 170 14 105
TOTAL 20,984 1,469 5,661 5,090 1,161 4,874
INDIVIDUAL CASE SERVICES January – December 2020
COUNTYRequests for
ServiceSent Written
MaterialsMade External
ReferralLAS Case
OpenVLP Case
OpenPending
LAS & VLP
Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati/Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC/Volunteer Lawyers Project
OUR CLIENTSLegal Services
31% Helping Children & Families31% Helping People Obtain & Maintain Employment & Healthcare
34% Securing Housing & Helping the Homeowner
2% Protecting the Consumer
2% Other Types of Assistance
Income Ethnicity
50% African-American
31% Caucasian
11% Unknown
5% Latino/Hispanic
2% Multi/Other
56% Below $10,000
20% $10,000-$19,999
14% $20,000-$29,999
6% $30,000-$39,999
4% $40,000 & above
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The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati and its affiliate the Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC provide civil legal services in seven southwest Ohio counties: Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Brown, Warren, Clinton, and Highland. Legal Services Corporation supports only the activities of the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati. The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati provides staff support for the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP). This Annual Report provides information about both Legal Aid Societies and the VLP.
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION2020 Operating RevenueOhio Access to Justice Foundation $1,734,456Legal Services Corporation 2,129,432Other grants & contracts 4,206,056Rental income 260,753Contributions 406,451Other 46,171Donated services 64,041Investment return, net 599,180Net assets released from restrictions United Way 332,000 Other 476,347Total operating revenue $10,254,887
2020 Functional Expense Housing & Consumer Program $2,288,268Employment & Benefits Program 1,152,267Family Law 2,134,872Children & Education Program 1,864,475General Civil & VLP 373,541Management & General 1,288,091Fundraising 83,719Rental Property 259,471Total expenses $9,444,704
ASSETS 2020 2019Cash and cash equivalents 2,828,463 1,833,136 Cash held in trust for clients 177,017 129,528 Investments 3,958,375 3,388,952 Grants and contracts receivable 685,228 772,549 Contributions receivable, net 347,400 383,634 Property and equipment, net 3,282,390 3,239,450 Other 64,317 27,599 Investments restricted by donors for endowment 667,658 667,658Total assets 12,010,848 10,442,506
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable 68,742 72,226 Accrued annual leave 375,800 321,421 Accrued expense 135,109 112,773 Assets held for others 177,015 129,528 Refundable advance 123,225 97,303 Interest rate swap agreement 107,147 73,643 Note payable, bank 993,116 1,111,030 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan 950,000 - Total liabilities 2,930,157 1,917,924
Net Assets Without restrictions Operating 1,578,066 1,536,052 Board designated 4,036,512 3,429,197 Net investment in property & equipment 2,182,127 2,054,777 Total without restrictions 7,796,705 7,020,026 With donor restrictions 1,283,986 1,504,556 Total net assets 9,080,691 8,524,582 Total liabilities and net assets 12,010,848 10,442,506
American College of Bankruptcy FoundationThe William P. Anderson Foundation
Area Agency on Aging, District 7Butler County Court of Common Pleas
Butler County Public Defender CommissionCincinnati Bar Foundation
Cincinnati Bar Foundation/Ohio Supreme CourtCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
City of Cincinnati CDBGCity of Cincinnati Human Services Fund
City of Middletown CDBGCincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency
Equal Justice WorksFifth Third Bank
First Financial FoundationThe Greater Cincinnati FoundationHamilton Community Foundation
Hamilton County CDBGHamilton County Job & Family Services
Hamilton County Juvenile CourtIRS Low Income Taxpayers ClinicThe Andrew Jergens Foundation
Legal Services Corporation*Metropolitan Sewer District
National Consumer Law CenterOhio Access to Justice Foundation
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction ServicesOhio Office of Attorney General-Victims of Crime Act
PNC Community Development FoundationThe Procter and Gamble Fund
SC Ministry FoundationMarge & Charles J. Schott Foundation
Social Security Administration-Work Incentives and Planning Assistance Program
The Spaulding FoundationThe Sutphin Family Foundation
Talbert HouseTriHealth
United Way of Greater CincinnatiUniversity of Cincinnati College of Law
US Bank FoundationUS Department of Justice-Office of Victims of Crimes
US Department of Justice-Violence Against Women ActVolunteer Lawyers for the Poor Foundation
YWCA of Greater Cincinnati
*Legal Services Corporation supports only the activities of the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati.
THANK YOU TO OUR PROGRAM FUNDERS
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2020 was a year of acclaim for Legal Aid Attorney Gerry Greene. The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation honored Gerry with the Presidential Award and the Association of Fundraising Professionals- Cincinnati Chapter honored Gerry with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Gerry has devoted over 25,000 hours to pro bono representation of 300 clients (and counting) during his Legal Aid tenure.
LEGAL AID ATTORNEY RECOGNIZED FOR PRO BONO SERVICE
LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF GREATER CINCINNATIMary Asbury, Executive Director
OUR STAFF
Managing & Senior Attorneys
Regina CampbellSarah FlohreKelly Malone
Donita Parrish Jessica Ramos
Debora Wagner Elizabeth Zak
Staff Attorneys & Fellows
Rebecca BaibakRachel Barr
Caitlyn ByersZoe Curry
Matt FitzsimmonsZach Frye
Gerry Greene
Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer
Angie MacKay
Director of Administration and
Client ServicesCathy Rafales
Director of Development & Communication
Cynthia Cole
Ivory McGuireKristin Riebsomer
Emily RobertsAmanda Robinson
Alpha TaylorRuby Wilz
David Wovrosh
Administrative StaffBeverly Campbell
Paul DoyleAshley Fishwick
Phillip HaganJoe HornbakerKimberly Lingar
Terri MayleAlana O’Koon
Joe Styer
Paralegals & Project CoordinatorsHardrie Diggs
Annie FortDayna Ingram-Ferris
Heather JohnsonMichelle KnoxJennifer LeethElise MarrinanJordan Miller
David PhillipsJames PierpointElicia SchultianRhonda TuckerDeanna WhiteJenny Zellars
Legal Secretaries & AssistantsPaula Ayer
Susie BarberNancy Blackwell
Lesli BrowerLaura Crosthwaite
Dawn FinchVicky GibsonTristan Hess
Sandy TyjewskiTonya Young
Reception & Intake CoordinatorsDyland BradleyNatalie BrownSheree Brown
Nora HernandezMelissa Lake
Michelle MatthewsDoug Mollett
Tonia SteinkampDiane Uduebor
Law StudentsChris-John BoschJordan Cotleur
Elizabeth GattenKate Schloemer
LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF SOUTHWEST OHIO, LLCJohn Schrider, Director
Managing & Senior Attorneys
Nick DiNardoLori Elliot
Maggie FibbeElaine FinkJon Ford
Marcheta Gillam Tracy Jackson
Jamie LandvatterStephanie Moes
Molly RussellMelissa Salamon
Nicole StephensonColleen Swim
Elizabeth Tull Laureano
Staff Attorneys & Fellows
Tiffany AlstonJohn AltmanNancy Braun
Samyra Chequer Brian Davidson
Olivia DavisSuzanne FirestoneCourtney Kinter
Paralegals Terri Adams
Andrew ConeCarrie FrancisBlake Gibson
Elizabeth GirouardJennifer Morgan
Andrea Solis Canto
Law StudentsBilly Blake
Quinn Marker
InternAshley Britt
Attorney Gerry Greene pictured with his awards
Photos by Ashley Fishwick
For legal help or information, please call (800) 582-2682 or (513) 241-9400Donald P. Klekamp Community Law Center Building, 215 E. Ninth Street, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.lascinti.org
ACCREDITEDCHARITYbbb.org
Board of TrusteesAdam P. Hall, President
CEO, Frost Brown Todd LLC
Christine S. Wheatley, 1st Vice PresidentGroup Vice President, Secretary, and General
Counsel, The Kroger Company
Deborah P. Majoras, 2nd Vice PresidentChief Legal Officer and SecretaryThe Procter & Gamble Company
John M. Williams, TreasurerLaw Office of John M. Williams, LLC
Alan S. Fershtman, SecretaryManaging Partner
Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL
Vincent B. Stamp, Immediate Past-PresidentOf Counsel, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Alexander BaileyNY Group/Fannie Mae Tenants’ Association
Cassandra BarhamThe Contact Center
Katherine Greiner BarnesSenior Counsel
Great American Insurance Group
Daniel J. BuckleyRetired Partner
Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease LLP
Mary P. BurnsVice President of Estate Planning,
Trust Counsel, Johnson Trust Company
Delorise CalhounPresident, Jurisdiction —
Wide Resident Advisory Board
Eduardo CamposThe Campos Law Firm, LLC
Sr. Kathryn Ann ConnellyRetired Superintendent of Education
Archdiocese of Cincinnati Schools
Carey A. GreinerGeneral Counsel, Aviation Commercial Business
BGA and Integrated Systems, GE Aviation
Kathy HaleAll Children Thrive
Eric H. KearneyExecutive Director
Gr. Cinti/N. Kentucky African-American Chamber of Commerce
Rosiland KingNorthwest Schools Parent Group
Donald P. Klekamp — *EmeritusSenior Partner
Keating Muething & Klekamp PPL
Eddie L. KoenPresident/CEO
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
Robert F. Laufman — *EmeritusOf Counsel, Gerhardstein & Branch Co., LPA
Joyce E. LovejoyCommunity Volunteer
Earle Jay MaimanRetired Partner, Thompson Hine LLP
Michael A. MarreroPartner, Ulmer & Berne LLP
Julia B. MeisterPartner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister
Angela MerrittOver the Rhine (OTR) Community Housing
Stephen M. NechemiasOf Counsel, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
James T. O’ReillyProfessor
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
David C. PhillipsFounder — Cincinnati Works, Inc.
Harry H. Santen — *EmeritusRetired Partner, Santen & Hughes
Rachel D. SmithPrice Hill Will
Matthew WhitlowVice President, Real Estate Law
Macy’s, Inc.
Officers
Trustees
Daniel J. Buckley Paul W. Heldman Stephen M. Nechemias
Board of Managers