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Staying Safe at Home

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC

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DEAR FRIENDS:2020 was an extraordinary year; it tested us in myriad unexpected ways. Overnight, many in our community lost their livelihoods, and were at risk of losing their housing and their health from this once-in-a-century pandemic.

Throughout the past year, Legal Aid remained open to keep clients safe and stable in their homes. We increased our outreach to the community and invested in technology to enable our staff to work and connect remotely with clients and partner organizations.

This Annual Report features our work to prevent homelessness, income and food insecurity, and education inequalities that COVID exacerbated. Our attorneys also continued to represent survivors of partner abuse and at-risk children.

We focused our efforts to keep people safely housed by preventing evictions and foreclosures. We advocated for emergency assistance funds and collaborated with our partners to help renters access the funding quickly. We also focused on securing food and income assistance. We helped eligible families obtain both regular and pandemic unemployment benefits as well as federal relief checks.

In a remote learning environment, lack of technological access hampers school success. Our education team pivoted to ensure that students, especially those in foster care, got the appropriate internet access and devices, as well as the special education services they needed to continue to make academic progress.

Legal Aid continues to serve our clients to help them regain financial and family stability. The outpouring of support we received was essential to our continued ability to resolve these major client issues. Thank you to our donors, funders, partner organizations, and volunteer attorneys for all you contributed to help us realize our mission during this difficult year.

Mary Asbury Adam HallExecutive Director President

The mission of the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati is to resolve serious legal problems of low-income people, to promote economic and family stability,

and to reduce poverty through effective legal assistance.

Cover Photo: Client Tabitha Hodge and her son Adryan visit Legal Aid

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In a pandemic, being able to stay safe at home matters. For many of us, home meant a stable place to work and learn remotely, a place that offered protection against a life-threatening virus.

Our low-income clients’ ability to stay safe at home was in jeopardy. Low-wage workers in service industries were the first to lose jobs in last spring’s shutdown. Working mothers had to stay home when schools abruptly closed. Without income, they could not pay the rent or the mortgage and were at risk of becoming homeless.

Legal Aid spent the balance of 2020 working to keep people in their residences and financially stable. We learned to communicate in new ways, adapted to tele-hearings, and developed digital resources for clients on our website: https://www.lascinti.org/get-help/coronavirus-information/. Here is a brief look at how we continued our advocacy in a year when it has never been more important.

Preventing EvictionsThe number of families living in poverty in our community remains high. 50% of the population of Cincinnati and 35% of Hamilton County have incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty limit. Many of these families were already in financially precarious situations, one emergency away from a potential eviction.

Pre-COVID, Legal Aid advocated for $582,973 in cash assistance funds from local governmental agencies to help families prevent an eviction.

While the shutdown stopped evictions for several months, courts reopened in July and we faced a flood of eviction filings. Once CARES Act rent

assistance funding became available, we and our partner agencies, Community Action Agency, St. Vincent de Paul, and Talbert House, were racing against time to process individual rental assistance applications and get the money to landlords to prevent evictions for the families.

To respond to the unprecedented demand, we reassigned staff attorneys along with our summer law clerks to assist clients. Simultaneously, we negotiated with property owners to accept the funds and dismiss evictions. Thanks to a concerted effort, over 750 people were able to stay safely housed.

Staying Safe at Home

Legal Aid Attorney John Altman and his client appear before Magistrate Purcell at Hamilton County Municipal Court

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A 2019 study by the Cincinnati Project found that in Hamilton County, fewer than 3% of tenants had attorney representation in eviction court. Of the tenants who go to court on their own, 99% lose. Having attorney representation is the critical factor in preventing an eviction, and every day multiple Legal Aid attorneys represent clients at eviction court. Our housing team successfully defended 360 clients last year, enabling them to remain in their current residence or choose to move to another affordable housing unit.

Preventing ForeclosuresLow to moderate-income families fell behind on their mortgage payments due to pandemic-related job loss. We assisted these homeowners to obtain emergency mortgage assistance and get financial counseling. We also negotiated with lenders for loan modifications and reinstatement of the mortgages, ensuring the continuation of affordable homeownership.

Legal Aid’s foreclosure prevention representation promotes racial equity in our communities by preserving minority homeownership, and helps stabilize historically Black neighborhoods.

Our foreclosure prevention efforts reduced economic hardship and preserved what is often the major family asset for 157 families. This total was 55% higher than the prior year.

Mitigating Financial InsecurityCOVID-related job losses were sudden and unexpected, affecting families who never before required assistance. Many needed help establishing eligibility for unemployment, food, and medical benefits. Others, especially those with disabilities, or who were otherwise eligible but not in the IRS database, needed help obtaining federal relief checks.

In 2020, we opened 285 unemployment cases, a number higher than the last five years combined, and recovered over $432,000 in benefits for those clients. We also helped families obtain pandemic payments to replace the value of the meals their children would have received at school while schools were shut down or operating remotely.

Access to EducationThe emergence of COVID-19 followed by the statewide shut down exacerbated existing education equity issues for low-income children in our community. The transition to remote schooling disrupted learning for low-income households. Foster parents were particularly challenged to meet the education needs of multiple children in various

Legal Aid Attorneys Zach Frye (left) and Nick DiNardo (right) leaving Hamilton County Courthouse

Alexandra Apartment Tenant Council Members from left to right: Trent Arthur, George Smith, and Janella Johnson

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school settings. Many had jobs they could not keep if they had to support remote schooling. There were persistent problems with technology, including access to the devices and bandwidth necessary to complete assignments. Students with disabilities were often unable to make academic progress through remote or blended learning options. Many rely on mental and behavioral health sessions but these services were either suspended or virtual.

To respond to this need, Legal Aid focused on promoting access to equitable, appropriate education services for students. We conducted special education meetings over video platforms to continue to represent our clients effectively. We also

Making an ImpactMany families needed help with multiple issues. Losing a job didn’t just mean inability to pay the mortgage or rent, it meant inability to pay utilities or to feed children. Often, Legal Aid attorneys worked together to address all of these family needs. One client’s experience reflects our comprehensive approach.

Furloughed from her job due to the COVID shutdown and seven and half months pregnant, Tabitha Hodge was soon unable to pay her mortgage or feed her children. Her family was at risk of becoming homeless.

instituted bi-weekly calls with special education administrators to share information and raise questions and concerns about education services. We reached out to students in foster care to make sure they stayed connected to their schools.

We also expanded our outreach to promote important information such as: how and where to get free and reduced cost meals once schools shut down, how to get access to electronic devices, and where to get WIFI. We disseminated information to assist parents, caregivers, community partners, and other professionals in dealing with school-related concerns.

Good Samaritan Hospital staff referred Tabitha to Legal Aid through our Maternal Health Law Partnership (M-HeLP). Senior Attorney Colleen Swim secured emergency mortgage assistance funds for Tabitha and then helped her obtain mortgage forbearance to suspend payments temporarily. Attorney Kristin Riebsomer helped her apply for crucial unemployment, SNAP, childcare, and Medicaid benefits. Thanks to Colleen and Kristin’s efforts, Tabitha and her growing family remained safe, housed, and fed.

Client Tabitha Hodge (left) talks with Attorney Kristin Riebsomer (middle) and Senior Attorney Colleen Swim (right)

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$5,000+ Anonymous ¢¢

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Ohio Chapter

Michael S. & Lissa CambronRobert E. & Brynne F. Coletti - - -

Chris & Valerie DeLucaRandy & Sue Freking ++

GE Foundation Graydon

Paul Heldman & Deborah Kirshner +

The Kroger Co.Legal Aid Staff

Deborah & John Majoras ++Francie & John Pepper +

Harry H. Santen

$2,500-$4,999Mary Asbury & Robert Newman ++

Liz Lanier Blake ++John & Shirlie Briggs

The Rev. Noel Julnes Dehner & Joseph Dehner +

Alan S. FershtmanKate Furlong & Jim Walker

Julie Rosselot GorlaAdam & Karla Hall

Mr. & Mrs. David C. HornBarbara & Timothy Juenke

Dottie & Gene LewisAmar Patel

Hon. Kathleen M. Rodenberg & Albert J. Rodenberg, Jr.Sally & Andrew Shott

$1,000-$2,499Anonymous ++

James M. Anderson •Melvin & Kathleen Bedree

J. Kenneth & Rosa E. Blackwell +Ginger Bock Rea for Judge

Jennifer L. BranchJennifer Branch for Judge

George & Kathleen BrinkmanMatthew Brownfield & Hon. Karen LitkovitzDaniel J. Buckley & Ann Marie Tracey •

Doreen CantonDot ChristensonJennifer Chubinski

Barbara J. Cook & Michael MooneySally & Thomas Cuni

Richard Druffel ++Lori K. ElliottJames E. EvansKaren Faaborg

Lissy Fabe & Chris Taylor +William FarleySue Friedlander

Kathryn GibbonsMeredith GillespieGerry Greene +

Guy C. GuckenbergerGary & JoAnn Hagopian +++

Barbara & Guy M. HildRob & Julie Johnson

William C.H. Joiner +Stephanie Jones

Sandra Kaltman & John Isidor ¢Donald P. & Marianne Klekamp

Jerry Lawson & Barb RintoKurt Louis

Earle & Sharon MaimanKelly Malone

Marlene Penny Manes ¢Michael A. Marrero

Robert W. Maxwell IISteve Olden

R. Gregory & Donna Park +Margaret Polanski

Carlos RamosGregory L. Rhodes &

Sallie E. Westheimer +Dianne & J. David Rosenberg +

Nicole Sanders for JudgeThomas R. Schiff +

John J. Schiff, Jr. Meredith Schnug & Chris Lahna

Ruth & John SchriderAnn E. Schulte ++

Susan SpriggLisa Staggenborg & Fred Yaeger

Vince & Ann StampPeter J. Stern +David B. Walker

Steve F. Warkany ++David & Ginger Warner

Barbara G. WattsChristine & Bryan WheatleyWood Herron & Evans, LLP

$500-$999Anonymous ++

Alan AbesDr. & Mrs. Taylor Asbury

Patricia A. Baas

Milo R. BeranMarianna Brown Bettman Richard

BoydstonTimothy M. Burke

Tom & Cathy CrainDavid C. Cramer

Gary & Marjorie DaviesPaul DeMarco & Karen Smith +

William O. DeWitt, Jr.Hon. Susan J. Dlott &

Stanley ChelseyStuart Dornette

Chantal Dubois & Christopher M. Pogue

Martiné R. DunnJim & Bobbie Farley

Marcus K. Felson & Mary A. Eckert Elaine Fink & Robert Shapiro James

Paul Franz & Shari LooC. Frooman

A. Scott FruechtemeyerSusanne E. Geier

Marcheta Lee Gillam & Joseph H. Feldhaus

Drew Gores & George Warrington Erin Heidrich

Anne P. HeldmanMark & Karen Jahnke +Nancy & Joseph Jerardi

Drs. Robert & Jessica Kahn* David P.& Eileen J. Kamp

Judge Eva D. Kessler & Thomas C. Eberwein

Ed Marks ¢Melvin E. Marmer

Raymond & Madelynn Matlock Kevin N. McMurrayLeslie McNeill

Stephen M. NechemiasMark & Joy Norman

Col OwensVivek Ramaswamy

Matthew & Pamela RiceFred & Marie Robbins

Carol W. RobertsJeffrey B. Rubenstein

Jean Sepate & Peter Djuric D’Shon Shapiro

Elizabeth StautbergElizabeth & Joe Stewart-Pirone Carl Stich & Amelia Banister ++ David C.

StimsonBrian ThompsonSusan Thompson

Caroline Idinopulos Vigran ++

Barbara Wagner & William C. Partin -Debora Wagner

James & George Ann Wesner ++Matthew Whitlow

Jeffrey & Linda Wyler - -

$250-$499AK Steel Foundation

Ali AnoffJeffrey S. Bakst

Katherine Greiner BarnesTerri Feldman Barr &

Robert B. BarrC. Francis BarrettKathy Beckman

Jay BeechTheresa BeresfordPhyllis G. Bossin

Robert W. BuechnerBeverly Campbell

Ronald & Vicki Christian +Clifton United Methodist Church

Cynthia ColeMichael & Tucker Coombe +

Anthony & Susan CovattaZoe Curry

Mike & Lisa Debbeler Christine Dickey & Stephen Griffith

Nick DiNardoEarthward Bound Foundation

Robert Gray EdmistonJohn W. Eilers

Jean E. Feinberg*Margaret Fibbe

Renee Filiatraut & John J. Williams Michael & Suzette Fisher ¢

Katherine FogartyHon. J. Patrick Foley III

Jonathan & Chelsea FordVanessa Freytag +++

Jill & Jack FuchsDon & Jane GardnerRoger & Nancy Gates

Alphonse A. Gerhardstein & Mimi Gingold +++Sarah K. GideonseRalph P. Ginocchio

Steven & Shelley GoldsteinBrett C. Goodson -

Goodson Company, Ltd.Judith B. Green

Will Groneman & Maureen Flanagan +++

THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 ANNUAL FUND DONORS

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Michael S. Hall, Esq.John L. Heilbrun

Dave & Nancy Hemminger ++Joseph D. Heyd

Mr. Patrick M. Hornschemeier & Hon. Margaret A. Clark

Barbara J. Howard Co. LPAMary & Bill Ivers

Karen JerardiJurisdiction-Wide Resident

Advisory BoardAndy & Elaine Kaplan +++

Marcia & Jim KennedyBruce & Elizabeth Krone

M. Lynn LampeBea V. Larsen

George D. & Janmarie V. LeikaufTimothy LomisonDeborah R. Lydon

Tim ManganLisa & David S. McPherson ++

Steph MillerCatherine Laura Mitchell

Paul MuethingBeth A. Myers & Michael P. Keefe •

Beth Schneider Naylor & Richard D. Naylor

Kate NolanMichael J. O’Hara

Megan & David Okun ++Anthony L. Osterlund

Mark PattersonJanet E. Pecquet RodenPenny & Myles Pensak

Alice PerlmanJohn Pinney & Lyn Marsteller

Pamela W. PoppMr. & Mrs. R. Patrick Riley

Susan Segaard RogersMarvin RosenbergJack Sherman, Jr.Mary G. ShukairyBeth Silverman

John S. & Carolyn Liles StithGabrielle Strand

Mary Beth & Thomas SundermannWoodrow H. Uible

Mark & Barbara Vander LaanKaren Wachs

John M. WilliamsJulie & Russell Wilson

Don Yelton & Ann SalukeThomas R. Yocum

Up to $250Anonymous

Liz & Hank Alexander

Mike AllenJane S. Anderson

Drs. Carolyn & Arthur K. AsburyDr. Helen Asbury

Paula & Matthew AyerRick Bachhuber, Jr.

Ann & Todd Bailey ++Cassandra Barham

Rachel BarrJames R. Barton

James D. Beaton, Jr.Laura & Joshua BeranJinny & John BertenSteve & Susan Black

Peter M. & Randal S. Bloch ¢¢¢Melissa BoschertDyland BradleyDebbie Brooks

John & Rhoda BrooksMr. & Mrs. Edward L. Burdell

Tom CalderBonnie G. Camden

Shannon & Lee CarterEileen & Jim Chalfie ¢

Susan ChoeJulie & John Cohen

Julia CollierSr. Kathryn Ann Connelly, SC

L. Barry CorsDonald Crain

Alva Jean CrawfordLaura CrosthwaiteCandace Crouse

Gerry DalyOlivia Davis

Karen DemerlyBrenda Dunlap & Ron McHenry

Larry EllemanDavid J.& Toni J. Eyrich

Dawn A. FinchMary & Bob Fitzpatrick

Robert FleckTy L. Foster

E.J. FoxJ. Neal Gardner

Vallie & Rodney Geier +++Camille Gill

Michael S. GlassmanRobert A. GoeringEllen Greene-TomLindsay Gustavson

Herbert J. HaasPaul Haffner

Thomas HankinsonMichael A. HirschfeldDaniel J. Hoffheimer

Florette B. Hoffheimer

Jon HoffheimerPatty Hogan

John & Wendy HolschuhRichard Jefferson, Jr.

Jeannie JyurovatDrs. Marcia Kaplan &

Michael PriviteraEmily Kennedy

Steve & Ann KislingFranklin A. Klaine, Jr.

Scott E. KnoxSarah Ann KokengeHarold G. Korbee

Anthony R. KremerAnnette KrochmalnyCatherine Labmeier &

Michael StillionRichard & Madeleine LaJeunesse

Suzanne & Steve LakampElizabeth Tull Laureano

Mrs. John T. Lawrence, Jr.Doloris & Bill Learmonth

John & Marian LeiboldDr. Phil & Barbara Lichtenstein

Kimberly LingarEllen Lipstein*

David & Margaret Lopez ++Duncan E. MacRae

Jim MahonBetsy & David Mann

Mona E. Mansour, MDPeter Margolis & Myrita Craig*

Sue MarkleyEvelyne Martial & Paul Alexander

Paul & Beth MattinglyDonna & Neal Mayerson

Holly MazzoccaChrista Parker McAndrew*

Frederick J. McGavranColleen McGuine

Eberly McMahon CopetasJulia B. Meister ++

Joseph MeliaGeorge F. Moeller

Rhonda Moore & Thomas BedallElizabeth Mulcahy & Patrick Noser

Pat & Pam NavinElizabeth Asbury Newman

Shawn NewmanLois & Mel Nizny*Daniel E. Nolan

Rick & Diana OberschmidtAlana O’KoonDimity Orlet

David & Monica OwensR. Joseph ParkerSusan & Dan Pfau

Myra D. PhillipsConnie PillichCathy Rafales

Becca RansohoffBrewster Rhoads & Ann Lugbill +

James K. RiceKristin Riebsomer

Louise M. & Gary A. RoselleTara & Keith Rosnell

Bethany RuffAmy Z. Sansbury

Alan & Marjorie SchneiderSusan Schonfeld

Ken SeibelJ. D. Seibert & Co., Inc.

Cynthia A. ShaferLaVerne Shaffer

Jane & Kevin SheaMr. William D. Sherman

Jeff & Susie ShoskinMelvin ShottenRobert Sikorski

Mark L. SilbersackElizabeth C.B. & Paul G. Sittenfeld

Mark B. SmithBrenda Smith

Robert & Lisa SteinbergGil Stevens

Mr. & Mrs. Laurence G. StillpassHarry Sudman

Ivan L. TamarkinMorley & Brenda Thompson

Barbara & Tom Tobias +Marty Tomb

Jack L. TuckerMary V.S. WagnerLona J. Valentine

Christopher Wagner & Nora Burke Wagner

Anne Marie & Richard WagnerJohn Warrington

Christopher & Gina WatkinsHon. Herman J. Weber

Tom Weeks & Elizabeth CopleyBob Wehling

William K. WeisenbergGeorge B. Wilkinson

Carol L. WillisBeatrice Winkler

Drs. Lawson & Victoria WulsinMichael Yeazell

Dawn & Jim YunkerDan Zavon

Barry H. ZimmerPeggy Zink ++

Harry B. Zornow

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation +Fidelity Charitable ++Charles Schwab +++

National Philanthropic Trust -Wyler Family Foundation - -

The Brynne & Robert Coletti Fund - - -

Johnson Charitable •Jewish Federation ¢Goldman Sachs ¢¢

Dayton Foundation ¢¢¢Child HeLP*

The Legal Aid Society appreciates the generosity of donors who contributed to the Annual Fund from February 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021. Every effort has been made to list donors and respect anonymous contributions as requested. Please forgive any unintended errors and notify us of changes by calling (513) 362-2815.

All private donation income is used in support of our mission, and in accordance with Legal Services Corporation and other funder regulations.

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MEMORIAL & HONORARIUM GIFTSHonorarium Gifts

In honor of Mary AsburyDrs. Carolyn & Arthur K. Asbury

Dr. Helen AsburyVanessa Freytag

George & Kathy WilkinsonDawn & Jim Yunker

In honor of Lindsay BaruffaJeannie Jyurovat

In honor of Patty & Milo BeranLaura, Josh, Gigi, & Mila Beran

In honor of Daniel J. BuckleyGeorge & Kathleen Brinkman

In honor of Cynthia A. ColeThe Rev. Noel Julnes Dehner &

Joseph Dehner

In honor of Nick DiNardo, Stephanie Moes, & John Schrider

Zoe Curry

In honor of Jean FeinbergJean Sepate & Peter Djuric

In honor of Stephen R. FelsonMarcus K. Felson & Mary A. Eckert

In honor of Elaine FinkJean E. Feinberg

In honor of Elaine Fink, Melissa Salamon,

Elizabeth Tull LaureanoZoe Curry

In honor of Gerry GreeneEileen & Jim ChalfieJulie & John CohenEllen Greene-Tom

Alan & Marjorie Schneider

In honor of Adam P. HallDonald CrainSue Markley

In honor of Paul HeldmanAnne P. Heldman

In honor of Andrew M. KaplanWoodrow H. Uible

In honor of Donald P. KlekampRobert E. & Brynne F. Coletti

Jim & Bobbie FarleyRobert & Mamie Maxwell

Paul & Terri Muething

In honor of Bea LarsenDoloris & Bill Learmonth

In honor of Earle Jay MaimanSharon Maiman

In honor of Michael A. MarreroRichard & Madeleine LaJeunesse

In honor of R. Collins OwensChristine Dickey & Stephen Griffith

In honor of the P&G Global Legal & Government Relations Team

Deborah & John Majoras

In honor of Harry SantenFlorette B. Hoffheimer

In honor of John SchriderJurisdiction-Wide Resident

Advisory Board

In honor of Christine WheatleyThe Kroger Co.

In honor of Deanna WhiteElizabeth Asbury Newman

Memorial GiftsIn memory of Sharon Barker

David B. Walker

In memory of Judge Gilbert BettmanMarianna Brown Bettman

In memory of Leo J. BreslinJames C. Frooman

In memory of George W. FelsRichard Boydston

In memory of George FloydJudith B. Green

In memory of William FowlerChristopher & Gina Watkins

In memory of Ray GronemanWill Groneman & Maureen Flanagan

In memory of Tim HickeyFriends of Kristin

In memory of Ruth & Donald KahnDrs. Robert & Jessica Kahn

In memory of William J. Keating, Jr. & William J. Keating, Sr.

Robert & Mamie Maxwell

In memory of Sue LivenspargerKathryn Gibbons

Evelyne Martial & Paul AlexanderDaniel E. Nolan

In memory of Suzanne McGuineColleen McGuine

In memory of John McNallyKen Seibel

In memory of Todd PortuneMarlene Penny Manes

In memory of John ShafferLaVerne Shaffer

In memory of Martha Allen StimsonDavid C. Stimson

In memory of Sheldon StrandGabrielle Strand

In memory of Michael SweenyAlan & Ann Fershtman

In memory of Carrie TroianoMichael S. Hall

In memory of Stanton VollmanHarold G. Korbee

In memory of Harris & Virginia K. WestonCarol W. Roberts

In memory of Dr. Henry WinklerBeatrice Winkler

In memory of Mary Lou WolfPatricia A. BaasKelly Malone

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BROWN 290 35 100 54 12 121

BUTLER 2,737 194 890 763 109 1,243

CLERMONT 1,020 89 297 225 69 247

CLINTON 282 58 87 46 10 47

HAMILTON 13,934 946 3,254 3,656 917 2,955

HIGHLAND 203 47 57 42 3 24

WARREN 645 54 232 134 27 132

OTHER 1,873 46 744 170 14 105

TOTAL 20,984 1,469 5,661 5,090 1,161 4,874

INDIVIDUAL CASE SERVICES January – December 2020

COUNTYRequests for

ServiceSent Written

MaterialsMade External

ReferralLAS Case

OpenVLP Case

OpenPending

LAS & VLP

Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati/Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC/Volunteer Lawyers Project

OUR CLIENTSLegal Services

31% Helping Children & Families31% Helping People Obtain & Maintain Employment & Healthcare

34% Securing Housing & Helping the Homeowner

2% Protecting the Consumer

2% Other Types of Assistance

Income Ethnicity

50% African-American

31% Caucasian

11% Unknown

5% Latino/Hispanic

2% Multi/Other

56% Below $10,000

20% $10,000-$19,999

14% $20,000-$29,999

6% $30,000-$39,999

4% $40,000 & above

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The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati and its affiliate the Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC provide civil legal services in seven southwest Ohio counties: Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Brown, Warren, Clinton, and Highland. Legal Services Corporation supports only the activities of the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati. The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati provides staff support for the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP). This Annual Report provides information about both Legal Aid Societies and the VLP.

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION2020 Operating RevenueOhio Access to Justice Foundation $1,734,456Legal Services Corporation 2,129,432Other grants & contracts 4,206,056Rental income 260,753Contributions 406,451Other 46,171Donated services 64,041Investment return, net 599,180Net assets released from restrictions United Way 332,000 Other 476,347Total operating revenue $10,254,887

2020 Functional Expense Housing & Consumer Program $2,288,268Employment & Benefits Program 1,152,267Family Law 2,134,872Children & Education Program 1,864,475General Civil & VLP 373,541Management & General 1,288,091Fundraising 83,719Rental Property 259,471Total expenses $9,444,704

ASSETS 2020 2019Cash and cash equivalents 2,828,463 1,833,136 Cash held in trust for clients 177,017 129,528 Investments 3,958,375 3,388,952 Grants and contracts receivable 685,228 772,549 Contributions receivable, net 347,400 383,634 Property and equipment, net 3,282,390 3,239,450 Other 64,317 27,599 Investments restricted by donors for endowment 667,658 667,658Total assets 12,010,848 10,442,506

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable 68,742 72,226 Accrued annual leave 375,800 321,421 Accrued expense 135,109 112,773 Assets held for others 177,015 129,528 Refundable advance 123,225 97,303 Interest rate swap agreement 107,147 73,643 Note payable, bank 993,116 1,111,030 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan 950,000 - Total liabilities 2,930,157 1,917,924

Net Assets Without restrictions Operating 1,578,066 1,536,052 Board designated 4,036,512 3,429,197 Net investment in property & equipment 2,182,127 2,054,777 Total without restrictions 7,796,705 7,020,026 With donor restrictions 1,283,986 1,504,556 Total net assets 9,080,691 8,524,582 Total liabilities and net assets 12,010,848 10,442,506

American College of Bankruptcy FoundationThe William P. Anderson Foundation

Area Agency on Aging, District 7Butler County Court of Common Pleas

Butler County Public Defender CommissionCincinnati Bar Foundation

Cincinnati Bar Foundation/Ohio Supreme CourtCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

City of Cincinnati CDBGCity of Cincinnati Human Services Fund

City of Middletown CDBGCincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency

Equal Justice WorksFifth Third Bank

First Financial FoundationThe Greater Cincinnati FoundationHamilton Community Foundation

Hamilton County CDBGHamilton County Job & Family Services

Hamilton County Juvenile CourtIRS Low Income Taxpayers ClinicThe Andrew Jergens Foundation

Legal Services Corporation*Metropolitan Sewer District

National Consumer Law CenterOhio Access to Justice Foundation

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction ServicesOhio Office of Attorney General-Victims of Crime Act

PNC Community Development FoundationThe Procter and Gamble Fund

SC Ministry FoundationMarge & Charles J. Schott Foundation

Social Security Administration-Work Incentives and Planning Assistance Program

The Spaulding FoundationThe Sutphin Family Foundation

Talbert HouseTriHealth

United Way of Greater CincinnatiUniversity of Cincinnati College of Law

US Bank FoundationUS Department of Justice-Office of Victims of Crimes

US Department of Justice-Violence Against Women ActVolunteer Lawyers for the Poor Foundation

YWCA of Greater Cincinnati

*Legal Services Corporation supports only the activities of the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati.

THANK YOU TO OUR PROGRAM FUNDERS

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2020 was a year of acclaim for Legal Aid Attorney Gerry Greene. The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation honored Gerry with the Presidential Award and the Association of Fundraising Professionals- Cincinnati Chapter honored Gerry with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Gerry has devoted over 25,000 hours to pro bono representation of 300 clients (and counting) during his Legal Aid tenure.

LEGAL AID ATTORNEY RECOGNIZED FOR PRO BONO SERVICE

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF GREATER CINCINNATIMary Asbury, Executive Director

OUR STAFF

Managing & Senior Attorneys

Regina CampbellSarah FlohreKelly Malone

Donita Parrish Jessica Ramos

Debora Wagner Elizabeth Zak

Staff Attorneys & Fellows

Rebecca BaibakRachel Barr

Caitlyn ByersZoe Curry

Matt FitzsimmonsZach Frye

Gerry Greene

Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer

Angie MacKay

Director of Administration and

Client ServicesCathy Rafales

Director of Development & Communication

Cynthia Cole

Ivory McGuireKristin Riebsomer

Emily RobertsAmanda Robinson

Alpha TaylorRuby Wilz

David Wovrosh

Administrative StaffBeverly Campbell

Paul DoyleAshley Fishwick

Phillip HaganJoe HornbakerKimberly Lingar

Terri MayleAlana O’Koon

Joe Styer

Paralegals & Project CoordinatorsHardrie Diggs

Annie FortDayna Ingram-Ferris

Heather JohnsonMichelle KnoxJennifer LeethElise MarrinanJordan Miller

David PhillipsJames PierpointElicia SchultianRhonda TuckerDeanna WhiteJenny Zellars

Legal Secretaries & AssistantsPaula Ayer

Susie BarberNancy Blackwell

Lesli BrowerLaura Crosthwaite

Dawn FinchVicky GibsonTristan Hess

Sandy TyjewskiTonya Young

Reception & Intake CoordinatorsDyland BradleyNatalie BrownSheree Brown

Nora HernandezMelissa Lake

Michelle MatthewsDoug Mollett

Tonia SteinkampDiane Uduebor

Law StudentsChris-John BoschJordan Cotleur

Elizabeth GattenKate Schloemer

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF SOUTHWEST OHIO, LLCJohn Schrider, Director

Managing & Senior Attorneys

Nick DiNardoLori Elliot

Maggie FibbeElaine FinkJon Ford

Marcheta Gillam Tracy Jackson

Jamie LandvatterStephanie Moes

Molly RussellMelissa Salamon

Nicole StephensonColleen Swim

Elizabeth Tull Laureano

Staff Attorneys & Fellows

Tiffany AlstonJohn AltmanNancy Braun

Samyra Chequer Brian Davidson

Olivia DavisSuzanne FirestoneCourtney Kinter

Paralegals Terri Adams

Andrew ConeCarrie FrancisBlake Gibson

Elizabeth GirouardJennifer Morgan

Andrea Solis Canto

Law StudentsBilly Blake

Quinn Marker

InternAshley Britt

Attorney Gerry Greene pictured with his awards

Photos by Ashley Fishwick

For legal help or information, please call (800) 582-2682 or (513) 241-9400Donald P. Klekamp Community Law Center Building, 215 E. Ninth Street, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45202

https://www.lascinti.org

ACCREDITEDCHARITYbbb.org

Board of TrusteesAdam P. Hall, President

CEO, Frost Brown Todd LLC

Christine S. Wheatley, 1st Vice PresidentGroup Vice President, Secretary, and General

Counsel, The Kroger Company

Deborah P. Majoras, 2nd Vice PresidentChief Legal Officer and SecretaryThe Procter & Gamble Company

John M. Williams, TreasurerLaw Office of John M. Williams, LLC

Alan S. Fershtman, SecretaryManaging Partner

Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

Vincent B. Stamp, Immediate Past-PresidentOf Counsel, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Alexander BaileyNY Group/Fannie Mae Tenants’ Association

Cassandra BarhamThe Contact Center

Katherine Greiner BarnesSenior Counsel

Great American Insurance Group

Daniel J. BuckleyRetired Partner

Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease LLP

Mary P. BurnsVice President of Estate Planning,

Trust Counsel, Johnson Trust Company

Delorise CalhounPresident, Jurisdiction —

Wide Resident Advisory Board

Eduardo CamposThe Campos Law Firm, LLC

Sr. Kathryn Ann ConnellyRetired Superintendent of Education

Archdiocese of Cincinnati Schools

Carey A. GreinerGeneral Counsel, Aviation Commercial Business

BGA and Integrated Systems, GE Aviation

Kathy HaleAll Children Thrive

Eric H. KearneyExecutive Director

Gr. Cinti/N. Kentucky African-American Chamber of Commerce

Rosiland KingNorthwest Schools Parent Group

Donald P. Klekamp — *EmeritusSenior Partner

Keating Muething & Klekamp PPL

Eddie L. KoenPresident/CEO

Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio

Robert F. Laufman — *EmeritusOf Counsel, Gerhardstein & Branch Co., LPA

Joyce E. LovejoyCommunity Volunteer

Earle Jay MaimanRetired Partner, Thompson Hine LLP

Michael A. MarreroPartner, Ulmer & Berne LLP

Julia B. MeisterPartner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Angela MerrittOver the Rhine (OTR) Community Housing

Stephen M. NechemiasOf Counsel, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

James T. O’ReillyProfessor

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

David C. PhillipsFounder — Cincinnati Works, Inc.

Harry H. Santen — *EmeritusRetired Partner, Santen & Hughes

Rachel D. SmithPrice Hill Will

Matthew WhitlowVice President, Real Estate Law

Macy’s, Inc.

Officers

Trustees

Daniel J. Buckley Paul W. Heldman Stephen M. Nechemias

Board of Managers