Breaking Barriers

Welcome to CLA’s new Board President, Tope Leyimu!

Last month’s snow fall in Charleston was fun while it lasted!

Blankets of four inches of snow covered our beautiful city, but it was a shock to the system. My family and I took advantage of this rarity, making shallow snow angels, homemade sleds, and mini snowmen. But, after about a day, many of us were ready to get back on the roads and go about our daily business without the paralysis of snow and ice. Thankfully, we had hard workers salting and clearing the roads so we could get back operational. We were all reliant in some way on help from others to clear snow and ice from roads, sidewalks and other public areas-- to keep us safe, ensure accessibility and minimize disruptions to daily life.

What a metaphor for the work done at Charleston Legal Access. Our essential organization and supportive community works to clear the pathways for individuals to access justice.

Collectively, we break down the barriers to get quality legal representation, whether it be an individual who needs guidance in a cycle of domestic violence, a tenant facing eviction who is one step away from experiencing homelessness, or a kinship caregiver navigating support and care for abused or neglected children.

 Because of your support for CLA, hundreds of people in our community get to experience the protection of a fierce legal advocate, compassionately navigating them towards a path to stability. Because of your commitment, whatever winter storms life may bring, CLA is able to serve as beacon of hope, equipped with the resources and tools to provide effective legal representation and help our neighbors get back on track.

As we get in the groove of this new year, we look forward to seeing the collective impact of CLA: advocacy in action, justice effectuated, and lives changed. Thank you for your continued support in word and in deed. I hope to see you at CLA’s 9th Anniversary celebration on May 8th!