Introduction
Northwestern Legal Services helps the poorest and most vulnerable citizens in
northwest Pennsylvania to obtain help with legal problems affecting their most
basic needs, such as food, shelter, jobs and access to health care.
During 2000, NWLS closed 3,704 cases and touched the lives of over 12,000 individuals and families throughout our region. Our legal advocacy won an estimated $7.15 million in direct benefits for our clients. Ongoing services included telephone consultation and advice, direct representation in brief or protracted matters, community legal education and pro se clinics.
! We help economically disadvantaged families receive legal assistance in a ten-county area in northwest Pennsylvania.
! We enable people who desperately need legal help but cannot hire a lawyer to act effectively and responsibly to settle their legal problems within the established justice system — as members, not victims of society.
! In a substantial majority of cases we resolve legal problems without litigation. We seek solutions that are fair, efficient and consistent with our society's commitment to Equal Justice for All.
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Contents ! We provide access to justice for people who have no place else to turn........... 2! We have extraordinary people.......................................................................8 ! We work to improve quality throughout our statewide legal services system......8 ! We are effective partners with other organizations...........................................9 ! We are a good investment..........................................................................10 ! Conclusion: We are about delivering on the promise of Equal Justice for All....13 ! Financial Statements.................................................................................14 |