"And Justice for All" State Bar Campaign for Georgia Legal Services

We encourage your support of this year's "And Justice for All" State Bar Campaign for Georgia Legal Services. Your support is so important, because . . .

Access to justice is essential to the rule of law. For people to have respect for the law, they must have confidence that they can effectively enforce and defend their fundamental legal rights, especially those which impact housing, personal and family safety, and economic security. The work of lawyers is instrumental in ensuring participation in justice for all citizens. "Equal justice for all" is more than an inscription on a wall, but an achievable promise.

With your gift this year of $250 or more, or whatever amount you desire to give, you will help people like Ms. Henry. Ms. Henry is a 38-year old woman who is blind and paraplegic. She had been living happily on her own with in-home healthcare provided under a state program until she needed to be hospitalized. When she was ready for discharge, the state program refused to restore her home health care services, so that her only option was a nursing home placement, which Ms. Henry did not want. With legal assistance from Georgia Legal Services, Ms. Henry secured continued eligibility for the home health care services and moved back to her own apartment. Ms. Henry has regained her personal dignity and is enjoying her independence again.

Every day, thousands of low-income Georgians suffer serious civil legal problems and may not know where to seek help or are too overwhelmed to try. Even the usual fees and costs necessary to get a civil matter before a judge can deter low-income residents from exercising their fundamental legal rights. When families living under poverty's long shadow spend most of their income on food and shelter, even a minimal fee could mean a family goes without milk for a week.

Access to justice is essential to a society committed to the rule of law.  As a member of our legal profession and the finest State Bar in the country, please do what you can to ensure that the right to access justice does not depend on a person's financial means.  Your gift will bring renewed hope and inspiration to low-income families in crisis.  Mail your gift in the enclosed reply envelope or give online at www.glsp.org.  Significant gifts of $250 or more are recognized in the Georgia Bar Journal.  Thank you for your consideration and support.
       
Sincerely,
Jeffrey O. Bramlett
President

Gerald M. Edenfield
Immediate Past President