Legal clinics to determine if individuals quality for free legal services to be available at Goodwill's North Port location
Goodwill partnership with Gulfcoast Legal Services expands to North Port
Legal clinics to determine if individuals quality for free legal services to be available at Goodwill's North Port location
BRADENTON/NORTH PORT FL – In 2018, Goodwill Manasota and Gulfcoast Legal Services launched a partnership in order to provide monthly legal clinics to Goodwill employees and the public at Goodwill's Corporate Campus in Bradenton. Through these monthly offerings, participants with legal questions have been able to take advantage of free consultations – up to half an hour each – with attorneys from Gulfcoast Legal Services. These consultations determine if participants are eligible for free representation in the following legal areas: family, housing, immigration, elder, consumer and/or victims of crime.
Now, with the opening of a new Gulfcoast Legal Services office in Venice, the organization has agreed to present similar offerings at Goodwill's North Port location. The first session will take place on Thursday, May 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; future sessions will take place on the third Thursday of every month.
These monthly clinics are geared toward residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties who have limited income and assets and who are not able to afford a private attorney. Gulfcoast attorneys will meet with every person and determine what legal services may be available.
“We are dedicated to serving vulnerable individuals, offering high-quality comprehensive civil legal services provided by Florida Bar licensed attorneys,” said James Clegg, Esq., staff attorney for Gulfcoast Legal Services. “Often, our most vulnerable residents go without legal representation due to an inability to pay. We thank Goodwill for providing a venue and access to individuals who would benefit most from our services.”
“We are grateful to Gulfcoast Legal Services for recognizing that Goodwill employs and serves many people who have legal concerns but who may not be able to afford an attorney," added Goodwill Manasota vice president Margie Genter. “We urge community members to call and make an appointment so that they can address pressing legal concerns.”
Clinics take place in the Community Resource Center on the Goodwill Manasota Corporate Campus (2705 51st Ave. E., Bradenton) the second Wednesday every month, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Goodwill's North Port location (14879 Tamiami Tr.) on May 26 and then the third Thursday of each month, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Participants are required to bring a photo ID and proof of income (paystub, SSI/SSDI statements, W-2 or bank statements showing deposits).
While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are strongly recommended. To schedule in Bradenton, call Margo at 941-355-2721, ext. 190. To schedule for North Port, call Deshane at 941-355-2721, ext. 515.
For more information about Goodwill, visit experiencegoodwill.org. To learn more about Gulfcoast Legal Services, visit gulfcoastlegal.org.
PHOTO ID: (From l-r) Goodwill Manasota president Donn Githens with James Clegg, staff attorney, and Robin Stover, deputy director of housing, of Gulfcoast Legal Services
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.