The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) recently announced that it is awarding $379,091 to Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP). MAP is one of 19 legal services organizations across the country receiving a grant from LSC’s Pro Bono Innovation Fund (PBIF). In total, LSC is awarding $5.1 million to expand and improve pro bono legal services for low-income Americans.
Half of eligible low-income Americans who seek legal help are turned away because legal services organizations lack adequate resources, according to LSC’s justice gap research. To extend their reach, legal services organizations engage private attorneys who volunteer their time and take cases “pro bono.” In partnership with organizations like MAP, pro bono attorneys help address the legal needs in their communities.
“Our civil justice system was designed for lawyers, but many Americans simply can’t afford an attorney, even in the face of life-changing legal problems,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Volunteer attorneys working in partnership with LSC-funded legal services organizations provide critical support to those who need it.”
MAP will use its grant to launch a Benefits Navigator initiative to assist residents of south-central Michigan with Medicaid applications, appeals, denials and cessations. Building on its criminal record expungement navigator model, MAP will train non-attorney volunteers and pro bono attorneys to help clients navigate complex Medicaid processes and overcome administrative barriers, especially as policy changes threaten coverage for vulnerable populations. The project will engage university partners and community-based organizations to conduct outreach, hold clinics and expand access to healthcare.
Senator Gary Peters congratulated MAP on the award.
“This funding will enable Michigan Advocacy Program to help more Michiganders navigate Medicaid and overcome administrative barriers to getting the health care they need,” said Peters. “At a time when the current Administration is making harmful cuts to this vital program, it’s critical that we do everything we can to make sure folks can get covered. I’ve been proud to support LSC during my time in the Senate and I’m glad that these resources are coming to Michigan.”
Since the PBIF grant program began in 2014, LSC has awarded 180 grants totaling more than $50 million. The funding for these awards comes from LSC’s congressional appropriation. Nonprofit legal organizations utilize these grants to address civil legal needs in their communities by removing barriers to and exploring new methods for pro bono work. PBIF grants are directed to projects that are replicable, so that innovative practices at successful programs can have an impact across the country.
Half of eligible low-income Americans who seek legal help are turned away because legal services organizations lack adequate resources, according to LSC’s justice gap research. To extend their reach, legal services organizations engage private attorneys who volunteer their time and take cases “pro bono.” In partnership with organizations like MAP, pro bono attorneys help address the legal needs in their communities.
“Our civil justice system was designed for lawyers, but many Americans simply can’t afford an attorney, even in the face of life-changing legal problems,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “Volunteer attorneys working in partnership with LSC-funded legal services organizations provide critical support to those who need it.”
MAP will use its grant to launch a Benefits Navigator initiative to assist residents of south-central Michigan with Medicaid applications, appeals, denials and cessations. Building on its criminal record expungement navigator model, MAP will train non-attorney volunteers and pro bono attorneys to help clients navigate complex Medicaid processes and overcome administrative barriers, especially as policy changes threaten coverage for vulnerable populations. The project will engage university partners and community-based organizations to conduct outreach, hold clinics and expand access to healthcare.
Senator Gary Peters congratulated MAP on the award.
“This funding will enable Michigan Advocacy Program to help more Michiganders navigate Medicaid and overcome administrative barriers to getting the health care they need,” said Peters. “At a time when the current Administration is making harmful cuts to this vital program, it’s critical that we do everything we can to make sure folks can get covered. I’ve been proud to support LSC during my time in the Senate and I’m glad that these resources are coming to Michigan.”
Since the PBIF grant program began in 2014, LSC has awarded 180 grants totaling more than $50 million. The funding for these awards comes from LSC’s congressional appropriation. Nonprofit legal organizations utilize these grants to address civil legal needs in their communities by removing barriers to and exploring new methods for pro bono work. PBIF grants are directed to projects that are replicable, so that innovative practices at successful programs can have an impact across the country.
