Mid-Shore Pro Bono has identified its Foreclosure Prevention, Consumer Protection and Elder Law programs as its top priorities for 2017. While the legal support needs of the Mid Shore are many and varied, these are the most critical civil legal challenges faced by citizens of Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Dorchester and Kent Counties.
“Our programs are grown from the needs of our community,” said Executive Director, Sandy Brown.
“Our work with clients and other community resources, combined with study of the demographic trends in our region, allow us to identify the areas where our services are needed the most. We believe in a proactive approach where early intervention and access to legal advice can prevent a client from losing their home or declaring bankruptcy.”
Through the Foreclosure Prevention Program, clients are made aware of their rights as homeowners and are provided with on-going assistance to help them navigate through loan modification processes to avoid foreclosure. The Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Legal Services Corporation together provided $176,000 of funding to support the Foreclosure Prevention Program in 2017.
$4,500 in support from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation will allow the launch of a new Consumer Protection program in Talbot County this year. Clients with who are victims of “Debt Buyers” can obtain free legal assistance with the help of a volunteer attorney. These consumer debt cases are prolific and most affected individuals do not know they have legal defenses and could possibly get these cases dismissed.
The Elder Law Program continues to expand as the population of senior citizens continues to grow across the Mid-Shore. The Elder Law Program provides consultation and access to attorneys to assist seniors with their unique needs such as developing wills, advance medical directives and powers of attorney.
Funds from these grants are restricted to specific programs and are not applied to general operating expenses. Mid-Shore Pro Bono relies on the generosity of numerous organizations and individual donors to help keep their doors open so they can continue to meet the civil legal needs of those of modest means living in our community.
About Mid-Shore Pro Bono
Mid-Shore Pro Bono Mid-Shore Pro Bono connects low-income individuals and families who need civil legal services with volunteer attorneys and community resources. The organization serves citizens of Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Dorchester counties. For more information or to make a donation, call Mid-Shore Pro Bono at 410-690-8128 or visit www.midshoreprobono.org.
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