Program areas at Legal Aid of the Bluegrass
We provide civil legal assistance at no charge to low-income families with children, the elderly, veterans and people needing access to healthcare. The people we serve often live with the risk of losing something be it their home, job, health, safety or independence. We target people living in violence, people with an impediment to family stabilization, those who cannot find stable employment and families at risk for homelessness. Through the legal system, we can preserve the home, protect assets, stop the violence, remove employment barriers, and support families towards the goal of achieving maximum independence and safety. Last year we reached over 52,943 people, advocated for over 11,400 and provided legal representation to 23,972. Private attorneys donated $439,200 in services to our clients.LEGAL AID OF THE BLUEGRASS (LABG) LABG completed a legal needs assessment in 2021 which found that the elderly and veterans are among the most vulnerable populations we serve. The assessment also found that family law continues to be one of the most highly ranked legal issues, including domestic/interpersonal violence protection orders.LABG Focused Reach 2022: LABG reached 52,943 of its target population through direct services or outreach. Our outreach advocacy efforts positively impacted 11,472 people. LABG legal staff & advocates provided direct legal representation and advice affecting 23,972 people.11,472 families were provided direct legal services, affecting 15,914 adults and 8,058 children.LABG Clients:42% are working poor45% of working age families have children in the household20% are poor elderlyOf the above clients, LABG:- provided legal help to 674 veterans- promoted safety for 5,499 domestic violence survivors, including 2,880 children- stabilized housing for 932 families, affecting 1,939 people.TYPES OF LEGAL ISSUES ADDRESSED:- 23.53% Housing- 20.03% Medicare and Medicaid Assistance/Other Health- 15.03% Family - 7.44% Protection Orders- 5.52% Consumer Issues/Improving Family Income- 5.31% Life Planning Documents- 4.02% Public Benefits including Veteran Benefits- 0.32% Nursing Home Residents Rights- 18.79% Other