Our mission statement is "To Administer Justice through a comprehensive program of educational outreach, legal assistance, financial counseling and conflict resolution services, to empower the powerless, give hope to the hopeless, and show mercy and compassion to those in need."

This Saturday, July 16, we will host one of our favorite events that puts the spotlight on our commitment to educational outreach:  our annual Family Fun Fair at Randall Oaks Park in West Dundee.  Running from 10 - 4, we invite our supporters to stop by, meet with the staff and 60+ volunteers who will run the event, and see community outreach in action. 

 

Throughout the day, families who don't have many entertainment dollars in their budget will have the opportunity to enjoy an affordable day out together with children's skill games, inflatables, Bingo, face painting, the Yo-Yo Man, a police dog, firemen, and other activities.  Lunch off the grill includes hot dogs and hamburgers.

"It's not a fund-raiser, it's a FUN-raiser", explains Executive Director Bruce Strom.  "The purpose is to create a relaxing environment  and a bit of an escape for those who are coping with the stresses of poverty and to let the community know these services are available."

Why do we believe educational outreach is so important?

 

Because statistics show that 75% of all the people who qualify for low-income legal aid either don't know such help exists, or don't know they are eligible for it. 

But what about "you have the right to an attorney?"

 

If you're being accused of a crime, you have the right to an attorney and if you can't afford one, you'll have a Public Defender appointed to you.  But if you're the VICTIM of a crime, or if your problem is civil and not criminal, you don't have any such right.  You either pay an attorney, or you fend for yourself ... unless you have access to legal aid.

What are the consequences if you can't hire an attorney?

 

Glad you asked!  Scroll down for our newest video.