Legal Aid of Western Ohio
Legal Aid of Western Ohio is a nonprofit organization based in Toledo, Ohio, that provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and groups across 32 counties in the region. The organization focuses on various legal areas, including housing justice, consumer rights, and support for agricultural workers, while also engaging volunteers through its Pro Bono Program.
Services
Legal Aid of Western Ohio offers a variety of free civil legal services aimed at assisting low-income individuals and groups in northwest Ohio. The organization focuses on areas such as consumer and economic justice, housing justice, and domestic abuse survivor support. It also provides legal assistance through Medical-Legal Partnerships for Children in the Toledo and Dayton areas. Additionally, the organization has a Pro Bono Program that engages private attorneys, law students, and paralegals to enhance access to justice. The organization also offers clinics for pro se divorce filers and kinship care.
History
Legal Aid of Western Ohio has a history that dates back to the founding of the Toledo Legal Aid Society in 1950. Over the years, the organization has evolved and expanded its services to meet the legal needs of low-income individuals in the region. Celebrating 70 years of service, it has established itself as a key provider of civil legal assistance in western Ohio, addressing systemic issues related to civil rights and poverty law.
Locations
Legal Aid of Western Ohio operates multiple offices across the region, including locations in Toledo, Dayton, Defiance, Findlay, Lima, Sandusky, and Springfield. These offices serve a total of 32 counties in northwest and west central Ohio, ensuring that legal assistance is accessible to individuals and families in need throughout the area.
Programs
The organization runs several specialized programs to address specific legal needs. The Agricultural Worker Program serves all 88 counties in Ohio, focusing on the legal rights of agricultural workers. The Pro Bono Program involves private attorneys and law students in providing legal services, while Medical-Legal Partnerships for Children offer targeted assistance in healthcare-related legal matters. Additionally, the organization provides Right to Counsel housing and eviction prevention legal aid services to eligible individuals.
Community Engagement
Legal Aid of Western Ohio actively engages in outreach activities to identify and address the legal needs of the community, particularly among agricultural workers. The organization participates in the Justice for All Campaign to unify fundraising efforts for civil legal assistance and hosts the Access to Justice Awards Celebration to recognize contributions to public interest and community advocacy.