JFS among grant recipients for legal programs

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – The San Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF) has awarded a total of $110,000 to 13 local nonprofit organizations, including Jewish Family Service, that offer legal services and promote understanding of the legal system to San Diego County residents.

An affiliate of the San Diego County Bar Association and the charitable arm of the San Diego legal community, the SDCBF provides access to justice by investing in sustainable results and advocacy for people and communities in our region that are impacted by poverty, abuse and discrimination. The organization operates with an independent board comprised of leading local attorneys and businesspeople who, along with foundation staff, expertly vet every organization for grant eligibility and need.

“Through these grants, we further our mission to ensure that legal aid is accessible to those who would otherwise be underserved by the legal system,” said Brian Funk, president of the SDCBF board of directors. “We hope to raise even more funds in the coming year and continue to promote public understanding of the law.”

The foundation’s funds come from contributions from the local legal and business communities and from fundraising programs throughout the year, including its signature “Evening in La Jolla” benefit.

For the 2015 Grant Cycle, SDCBF’s Grant Review Committee carefully reviewed each application, conducted site visits, and selected the grant recipients based on the SDCBF’s mission and grant-making guidelines.

The 2015 grant awards were given to:

Casa Cornelia Law Center
$12,500 to fund existing legal programs and services that provide legal representation to victims of domestic violence and other serious crimes.

California Veterans Legal Task Force
$7,500 to provide legal support to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

California Western Community Law Project*
$9,000 granted for pro bono legal services at a walk-up clinic for low-income and indigent families.

Community Resource Center
$2,500 to fund a legal advocacy program supporting those suffering from domestic violence – an organization SDCBF has supported for eight consecutive years.

Elder Law & Advocacy
$10,000 to provide legal services to low-income seniors, which SDCBF has supported for more than a decade.

Father Joe’s Villages
$10,000 to fund the Homeless Court Program, which provides support to resolve misdemeanor offenses and warrants and find permanent housing.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego
$4,000 to provide outreach, informational sessions and immigration application services.

Karen Organization of San Diego*
$5,000 to fund a legal advocacy awareness program for Burma refugees.

Legal Aid Society of San Diego
$10,000 to fully fund the Civil Harassment & Elder Abuse Clinic at the East County Courthouse.

Professional Alliance for Children
$5,000 to provide free legal advice to families caring for sick and/or injured children.

San Diego Family Justice Center Foundation*
$12,000 to support direct client services for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, stalking and sexual assault.

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
$22,500 for free legal assistance to low-income individuals for family law.

The next grant cycle will begin in October 2016. For more information about the San Diego County Bar Foundation, visit www.sdcbf.org.

*Denotes first time grant recipient.

*
Preceding provided by  The San Diego County Bar Foundation.