603 Legal Aid recently received a $140,000 grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The grant will help further 603 Legal Aid’s mission of improving access to justice by facilitating the addition of an outreach coordinator who over the course of the next two years will collaborate with New Hampshire multicultural communities and faith-based entities to address civil legal needs among traditionally underserved populations.
“This funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation will have a tremendous impact on our ability to reach out to diverse populations in our state,” said 603 Legal Aid Executive Director Sonya Bellafant. “We’re excited to build upon the successes of our previous one-year outreach project and bring awareness of free and low-cost civil legal services to those who need it the most.”
In addition to traditional outreach work, 603LA outreach staff will collaborate with community partners who can host legal clinics. Each clinic will commence with a presentation for all attendees on several areas of law, which may include federal tax law, criminal record annulment, uncontested divorce, child support, housing, wills, and guardianship. The presentation will be given by 603 Legal Aid staff or volunteers and will aim to teach attendees how to handle their cases pro se. Following the presentation, each attendee may consult one-on-one with a staff member or volunteer. These consults may lead to a referral to a private volunteer, pro bono attorney.
About 603 Legal Aid
In partnership with volunteer attorneys and community organizations, 603 Legal Aid works to make justice a reality for low-income individuals and families. 603 Legal Aid provides free civil legal advice and information by telephone, by representing someone in court, or through a referral to a volunteer attorney or another program for legal help. For more information, please visit www.603legalaid.org or call 603-224-3333.
About the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is New Hampshire’s statewide community foundation, founded in 1962 by and for the people of New Hampshire. We are the place where generosity meets the dedication and ingenuity of nonprofits and the potential of New Hampshire students. For six decades, thousands of people have entrusted their charitable resources to the Foundation, creating a perpetual source of philanthropic capital and making it possible for the Foundation to award more than $60 million in grants and scholarships every year. For more information, please visit www.nhcf.org or call 603-225-6641.
