Happy New Year! We at the Legal Aid Society of Orange County hope that 2016 has you off to a roaring start. Each year, you can expect that the resolutions of most will be focused on getting in shape, saving money, or traveling more.
If you are looking for something new that will make a huge impact, not only in your life, but in the lives of others now is the time to resolve to give back! Make 2016 your #yearofprobono, and help provide critical resources to help some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
The American Bar Association estimates that 40% of low-to-moderate income households experience a legal issue each year. Nationally, more than 50 million Americans qualify for federally funded civil legal aid, but more than half of those who seek assistance are turned away by legal aid organizations, which lack the funds and staff to meet the demand. In Orange County alone, 12.4% of the population, 390,000 people, qualify for legal aid services and live at or below the poverty line. Many middle to moderate income households also find themselves unable to afford an attorney and present an unmet need.
You can make a difference. Your time will help families avoid homelessness, help low-income children access healthcare, protect victims of domestic violence, provide veterans with access to benefits, and so much more.
There is no better time to start; pro bono services are always needed. This is a great way to do some good in the world, achieve a positive sense of fulfillment, meet law license requirements, gain experience, and positively represent your firm.
Currently we are seeking volunteers for the following:
-Hotline Intake Representative
-CCI Volunteer Attorneys, Health Consumer Action Center
-Volunteer Vietnamese Translators
If you don’t see something that you are interested in, or for other ways to help please contact cbaer@legal-aid.com. If you are not an attorney, and would like to volunteer in another capacity, please contact us.
