The Need

Keeping the doors to MVLS open for low-income people presents a challenge. There are over 111,000 low-income people in the service area. Although MVLS helps approximately 5000 people each year, 3 out 5 eligible individuals and families are turned away. The gap keeps widening between the growing number of low-income people needing help and the number of legal services and volunteer lawyers.

Current Funding

MVLS receives funds from state and federal government sources, charitable foundations and private donations. Its current budget is approximately 1.7 million dollars. This funding is always volatile, often dependent on the health of the economy. Currently with the declining economy and the uncertainty of the MVLS budget, our clients are becoming more and more vulnerable.

Meeting the Need - The Campaign for Legal Aid

The Campaign for Legal Aid was created by members of the bar and business leaders in the service area on behalf of Merrimack Valley Legal Services. The goal of the campaign is to help fill the gap between the need and the current funding received by MVLS. The Campaign is directed to the entire community, since everyone has a stake in guaranteeing access to the justice system. In particular, the legal community has a professional understanding of the need that exists and of the importance of being represented when a legal problem arises.

Campaign Committee

The Campaign Committee members are: Maxa Berid, Esq. (Lowell); Robert Buckley, Esq. (Riemer & Braunstein); Stephen D'Angelo, Esq. (Lawrence); Harold Dulong, Esq. (Riemer& Braunstein); Robert Lavoie, Esq. (Devine, Millimet, & Branch); Michael Leon, Esq. (Nutter McClennen & Fish); John Smolak, Esq. (Peabody & Arnold), Betty Keddy (Cisco Corp), and Jay Thiel, Esq. (Townsend), Ronald Trombley, ( Banknorth Massachusetts). These dedicated individuals will direct the campaign helping MVLS to expand the types of services provided, retain experienced staff, and strengthen the organization.

How You Can Help

Please support the Campaign. Your contribution would have an enormous impact on MVLS' ability to help vulnerable individuals and families gain access to justice. Giving to MVLS is a very effective and efficient way to make a difference.