OUR VISION: Civil Justice for All

OUR MISSION: Community Legal Services ("CLS") is committed to eliminating poverty-based inequities in the civil justice system by providing high-quality legal advice, advocacy and assistance to low-income Arizonans.

Description:
As a promoter of "equal justice for all", CLS provides high-quality legal advice, assistance and/or direct representation in certain civil matters to indigent and low-income individuals and families residing in the CLS service areas. Through its public education and outreach programs, CLS promotes self-sufficiency. On behalf of our client community, who would otherwise have no recourse for the resolution of civil legal problems affecting their "basic survival needs and rights", CLS pursues agressive advocacy in the following areas:

*FAMILY LAW*
The focus of CLS' Family Law practice is to support the integrity, safety and well-being of the family. CLS is committed to providing protection against family abuse, violence and/or exploitation, particularly violence directed at the most vulnerable of family members; women, children and the elderly.

*HOUSING LAW*
CLS recognizes that adequate shelter is a fundamental need of all people. Our Housing Law staff provides legal assistance and representation in housing related issues and helps clients to maintain affordable, healty and safe living conditions, avoid homelessness, and avoid or correct arrangements which may threaten ones' home equity, ownership or rental status. Fair housing is a key focus of CLS. Anyone who believes that they have been discriminated against in either the rental or purchase of a dwelling unit may contact CLS and file a complaint. Investigations may be done to insure fair housing practices and/or complaints will be forward to HUD for further investigation.

*HEALTH, EDUCATION, BENEFITS AND EMPLOYMENT LAW*
CLS works to promote self-sufficiency of members of our client community and to protect the physical, emotional economic health of families and individuals. CLS' Health, Education, Benefits and Employment staff place a priority on cases in which access to health care, public school education, disability and other benefits are at risk, particularly for the working poor and those attempting to avoid dependency and poverty, CLS' Health, Education and Benefits advocates work to maintain economic stability by ensuring access to sources of income designed to assist persons in need. In the employment area, staff make appropriate referrals and focus on unpaid wage claims.

*CONSUMER LAW*
The CLS Consumer Law staff work to protect clients from unscrupulous schemes, illegal loans, excessive interest charges and fraudulent sales and promises.

*FARMWORKER LAW PROGRAM*
This program addresses the unique legal issues associated with employment and wage issues, shelter, transportation and migrant status for the 100,000 famr workers, migrant farm workers and seasonal agricultural workers in Arizona.

*ASSISTANCE TO URBAN NATIVE AMERICANS*
With the exception of legal issues requiring tribal court advocacy, CLS provides access to civil justice for Native Americans residing off-reservations in Maricopa County. Legal issues include those related to education, health, benefits, consumer fraud, housing and domestic relations.

Community Legal Services serves families, individuals, the disabled, and those suffering from mental illness. We offer special programs designed around children's legal issues, clients with HIV/AIDS, bankpruptcy, and victims of domestic violence. Supplementing our civil legal services are self-help measures, including clinics, workshops and Community OutReach and Education programs (C.O.R.E.).

Local office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Applications can be taken in person or by phone during those hours. Although closed to the public on Friday, phone calls are handled throughout the day.

History:
Community Legal Services began in Maricopa County over 50 years ago and evolved into a program which now serves La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Yavapai and Yuma Counties. The Yuma Office of Community Legal Services was opened in 1979. Presently the Yuma staff consists of a Managing Attorney, Staff Attorney, three Paralegals, and one full-time and one part-time Receptionist/Intake Worker.

Contact people:

Kay Macuil, Attorney, (phone), (email) Alicia Franco, Paralegal, (phone), (email) Estella Desarden, Paralegal, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (928) 782-0037

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

Address:

201 S. First Ave Yuma, AZ 85364 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: http://azlawhelp.org/