Sara Fernandez* knew she needed legal help but didn’t know where to turn. With limited finances and a language barrier, Sara’s options felt few and far between.
However, her luck changed when a friend recommended the YMCA’s Legal Aid Clinic.
At first, Sara couldn’t believe the fees. She feared that the $20 consultation fee was just a sliver of the larger invoice to come in the mail but the hefty attorney fees she feared never came. The Y’s initiative to provide accessible legal care means that more individuals and families in our community can get quality assistance without the high cost that typically comes with legal services.
“When the Legal Aid Clinic was able to work with me, I felt hopeful that I could live a better life.”
“Looking back at the situation, I knew that I needed to get a divorce but I didn’t have the resources or the access at hand. When the Legal Aid Clinic was able to work with me, I felt hopeful that I could live a better life.”
Working alongside the clinic team, Sara was able to work through the divorce process without it costing her thousands. Not only was she able to finalize her divorce, Sara felt that she was both protected and represented fairly.
As the process went on, Sara continued to work with the Legal Aid Clinic to ensure legal protection in the aftermath of her divorce. Knowing that she has a team on her side, Sara can finally breathe easy.
“I tell all of my friends to come to the Legal Aid Clinic. I tell them my story, my experience. Some don’t believe that this type of service exists, others go the very next day.”
“I tell all of my friends to come to the Legal Aid Clinic. I tell them my story, my experience. Some don’t believe that this type of service exists, others go the very next day.”
Sara is one of over 747 individuals that receive assistance from the Legal Aid Clinic. While their reasons can range, their experience is the same. Within the walls of the Legal Aid Clinic, they find answers to their individual circumstances.
Most of all, they find hope.
*Name has been changed