Most of us care deeply about creating a more just world, ensuring basic needs like shelter, food, safety and a decent livelihood for everyone.
But sadly, health, wealth, peace and happiness do not get doled out equally.
There are sad truths about our justice system, too. It’s easy to assume that those who face the toughest legal challenges—children, veterans, seniors, ill or disabled people, and victims of domestic violence—will get a fair process in our civil courts. But for many low-income and middle-income residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties who cannot afford to hire an attorney, justice is not fair. They often lose their cases in court, not because they have done something wrong, but because they don’t have the legal information or help they need. A skilled lawyer is a necessity in court.
The truth about our legal system is no money, no lawyer, no justice.
Legal Aid of Manasota helps ensure fairness for all in the justice system, regardless of how much money one has. For more than 30 years, our staff of 10 has worked tirelessly for residents of all backgrounds and ages by providing free civil legal services to our low-income neighbors with the help of our skilled volunteer attorneys. We are small but mighty.
But it’s not enough—especially now. We are facing a crisis of access to legal services. In 2021, we received 20,000 phone calls for help and took on close to 2,000 cases. Most urgent is keeping people housed.
We hope you will #BeTheOne to make a gift to Legal Aid during the 2022 Giving Challenge. For 24 hours, noon to noon, April 26-27, you have an opportunity to create a more just world. Your support allows us to serve more people and ensure more people have a fair shake in court. Every penny we raise stays right here in Sarasota/Manatee counties.
Thank you in advance for helping us create a more just world.
Sincerely,
Linda Harradine, Esq.
President and CEO, Legal Aid of Manasota
Linda Harradine, Esq.
CEO, Legal Aid of Manasota
Photo by Barbara Banks