Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a non-profit regional law firm that provides high quality legal assistance in civil matters to help eligible low-income individuals and groups in western Ohio achieve self reliance, and equal justice and economic opportunity.
Celebrating the Center for Equal Justice
There was an open house on Jan. 30, at 525 Jefferson Ave. that featured a short program that highlighted the history of the Center and how it supports ABLE and LAWO’s ability to have a positive impact in the Toledo community.
The Center for Equal Justice has stood as a beacon of hope for 10 years at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Huron Street in Toledo. It offers services for people who are economically disadvantaged and needing legal help that they otherwise would go without – legal assistance to protect their homes, safety, and access to education and resolve other life-changing legal problems.
The Center is headquarters for Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) and Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), nonprofit law firms that assist in noncriminal cases to people living in 32 Northwest Ohio counties. More than 19,000 individuals annually benefit from legal services provided by ABLE and LAWO, which are observing their 50th and 20th anniversaries, respectively.
“We continue to be grateful for the generosity of donors to the Center for Equal Justice building campaign. Their commitment to equal justice in Toledo resulted in a permanent place where people can turn to find legal help that protects their rights and provides legal support as they build access to opportunities in their communities,” said ABLE Executive Director Janet Hales. “We hope that donors and supporters of the CEJ are proud of what they built – a home for fairness and justice in Toledo.”
There was an open house on Jan. 30, at 525 Jefferson Ave. that featured a short program that highlighted the history of the Center and how it supports ABLE and LAWO’s ability to have a positive impact in the Toledo community. Speakers included Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Myron C. Duhart, Manager, and Counsel at First American Title Laurie Pangle, retired ABLE Executive Director Joseph Tafelski, ABLE Executive Director Janet Hales, LAWO Executive Director Kevin Mulder, The Junction Coalition Director Alicia Smith, and Sarah Skow, of Spengler Nathanson, PLL, and vice president of ABLE and LAWO Boards of Trustees.
“The Center for Equal Justice has allowed ABLE and LAWO to make better use of public and private funds to serve clients,” said LAWO Executive Director Kevin Mulder. “We are grateful to those who chose to invest in our services and the Center. We would not be able to serve thousands of clients across 32 counties without the Center for Equal Justice as our home.”