This month, the CFOC Nonprofit Spotlight features The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY)
Rooted in the belief that justice should not depend on a person’s ability to afford quality representation, the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) provides critical legal help in areas that deeply affect daily life, playing a crucial role in promoting stability, fairness, and opportunity for all members of the community.
Offering free civil legal assistance, LASMNY helps to safeguard the rights of low-income residents in 13 counties, including Otsego County. In 2023, LASMNY assisted 11,353 people, delivering legal help in a wide range of civil matters—fighting for clients facing housing crises, foreclosure, bankruptcy, family law matters, disability claims, and elder law issues.
With rising housing costs and limited affordable options, many families find themselves at risk of losing their homes. LASMNY’s Eviction Defense Program helps people facing evictions and other landlord-tenant matters. Between April 2023 and April 2024, LASMNY prevented 709 households from becoming unhoused and obtained $226,622 in housing allowances for clients. LASMNY’s Eviction Defense Program help people resolve landlord-tenant conflicts, avoid evictions, and prevent members of the community from becoming unhoused.
Navigating the disability benefits process can be daunting, especially for people with physical or mental health challenges. LASMNY’s Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) assists individuals with disabilities to navigate the often confusing and overwhelming process of obtaining disability-related Social Security benefits. DAP advocates assist clients to appeal denials for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), provide support and help to make sense of Social Security’s paperwork and rules. In 2024, LASMNY’s dedicated staff secured over $1.4 million in disability benefits for clients to provide financial stability when it was needed most.
LASMNY also works with Opportunities for Otsego’s Violence Intervention Program to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Although court-appointed counsel is available in certain family matters, survivors of abuse urgently need trauma-informed legal representation to navigate the complex family law system with the compassion, understanding, and specialized advocacy they deserve. Legal Aid assists clients with divorce, child custody, child support and orders of protection by preparing legal documents, offering courtroom representation, and ensuring their voices are heard.
Senior citizens face unique legal challenges related to health care, financial security, and long-term care planning. LASMNY has partnered with the Office of Aging to offer services tailored to seniors, including assistance with drafting of wills, health care proxies, and powers of attorney. These services help ensure that older adults can age with dignity and independence.
For more information on eligibility for LASMNY’s services, residents can apply online at https://www.lasmny.org/intake or by calling LASMNY’s HelpLine at 1-877-777-6152, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 3 pm. You can support justice and make a meaningful difference by donating through LASMNY’s website at https://www.givejustice.org/ to help ensure everyone has access to legal assistance.
