Stories

Deborah was in nursing school, when unexpected medical bills for her son caused her to fall behind on her mortgage payments. Deborah came to Legal Aid Center for help.

"I was facing foreclosure and received many scams in the mail of agencies wanting to help. Some wanting money to help and some deadend agencies. Someone suggested legal aid and happy I did. [They] set me up an appointment and gathered the paperwork I needed  and let me know my options. We were on a time crunch. The outcome was very important to keep our home."

"I wasted a lot of time with the scams that daily were coming in the mail. Legal Aid Center the moment I called explained what I needed to do. Very knowledgeable, respectful, compassionate, courteous, and kept me informed. I commend them." (Consumer Rights Project Client, January 29, 2016)

Sara says, "After my divorce I was facing many stressful situations; debts and creditors were a never ending story and on top of that I am disabled.... Needless to say that was a very stressful time for me."

Sara went to Legal Aid Center's free weekly bankruptcy class, applied for an attorney, and worked with Legal Aid Center's bankruptcy staff to get all her necessary paperwork in order. She was placed with one of our terrific volunteer pro bono attorneys and eventually obtained a bankruptcy.

She now says, "Thank you for your patience and knowledge in preparing me for bankruptcy and a better life. As of this date I'm proud to say that my bankruptcy has been charged off. It is surely thoughtful people like you who make the world a better place."

Gregory had become disabled and couldn’t work - and he was being hounded by a debt collector. Gregory came to Legal Aid Center for help.

Gregory met with one of our consumer attorneys who helped him send a “cease communication” letter to the collector. When the collector ignored the letter, Gregory’s attorney sued. Eventually, Gregory’s attorney obtained a settlement in Gregory’s favor.

Gregory says, “Being disabled and not able to make wages, this outcome meant so much to us. It gives me feelings of belonging, security, and kindness in our society. Keep up the good works.” (11/07/15) 

Jane has been separated from her husband for years. When they first separated, Jane's husband promised to give her a divorce. But then he disappeared, and Jane hasn't heard from him since. Jane felt she was unable to move on with her life without the divorce.  She felt trapped. But she couldn't afford to hire an attorney.

Jane came to Legal Aid Center and, with the help of a Family Justice Project attorney, got the divorce she needed.

Jane says, "Now I can put away the past and start a new future. Keep doing what you're doing because you made a difference in my life and I am thankful. And I'm sure you will make a difference in other people's." (October 19, 2015)