Community Legal Aid Services

Thank you to the North Canton Public Library for collaborating with us on a Family Law Clinic on June 10. Several families got answers to their legal questions and found out more about local resources. Thank you also to Chief Magistrate Lori Brown from Stark County Family Court for giving a brief presentation about the court.

We were proud to represent Ohio in Washington, D.C., this week, where we gratefully met with U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes and staff, and with staff members for Rep. Max Miller, Rep. Dave Joyce , and Rep. Michael Rulli. Executive Director Steven McGarrity, Board Member Nan Gelhard, Managing Attorney Marie Curry, Chief Development Officer Shirley Smith and Director of Communications and Marketing Kathleen Folkerth explained our services for their constituents and how federal dollars make a positive impact. Our staff attended along with colleagues from Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio - LASCO and The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, on behalf of the Alliance of Ohio Legal Aids.

Evictions are complex, but we can help! Check out all the resources we have to offer at communitylegalaid.org/eviction.

Sgt. Johnnie Downs, of Akron, is an Army veteran, not a prizefighter. But he sees a similarity between boxers and himself as he’s fought to remain in his home the past several years.

“When a boxer wins, he doesn’t do it alone," Sgt. Downs said. “He’s got someone in his corner. For me, legal aid has been in my corner.”

Sgt. Downs recently spoke on a panel at the Ohio Statehouse about how his legal aid attorney has helped him to remain in his home. Read more about his story: https://www.communitylegalaid.org/news/veteran-fights-foreclosure-help-legal-aid-attorney

Thirty people received free legal help today at the second Summit County Pro Bono Collaborative legal clinic. Thank you to the Akron area attorneys who stepped up to volunteer their time to answer questions and help attendees with legal forms. The next clinic will take place Aug. 7.

More than 40 attorneys learned more about handling challenging Family Law cases at our free CLE on Divorces with Domestic/Family Violence this week. Training with our attorneys Elsa Reale-Gottfried, Jeanne Charles and Marie Moore took place in both Youngstown and Akron. Thank you to Magistrate Allyson J. Blake, of Wayne County Domestic Relations Court; Chief Magistrate Meredith Watts, of Medina County Domestic Relations Court; and Judge Beth A. Smith, of Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court, for providing us a "View from the Bench."

STARK COUNTY: Registration closes FRIDAY, June 5, for this free Family law clinic at the North Canton Public Library. Register now!

STARK COUNTY: Get answers to questions about family law issues, such as divorce, parenting issues, child custody, visitation and child support during a clinic at North Canton Public Library on June 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. Registration is required. The free clinic is open to Stark County residents who qualify for help. Eligibility screening will be completed at registration. Call 330-983-2511 to register!

Mahoning Valley veterans: We'll be hosting two legal clinics at the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission this month. Come see us on June 9 or 23 from 9 a.m. to noon. No appointment necessary!

Alvaydee Falkner is our newest paralegal, based in our Youngstown office. Join us in giving her a warm welcome to our team!