February 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Four years ago, the Legal Aid Society of Columbus expanded our legal services to include representing small businesses. These businesses can be for profit or not for profit, but they must be located in areas of the city that have historically been disinvested, for example neighborhoods isolated by freeway construction. The goal is to support community members building and sustaining wealth in each neighborhood. 

We have been able to help low-income individuals start businesses, obtain commercial space, gain a clear understanding of obligations before signing contracts, navigate trademark and other disputes, and protect their businesses by advising on applicable regulations. During the height of the pandemic, we helped businesses thrive by partnering with local government, nonprofits, and small businesses to provide technical assistance to ensure that low-income entrepreneurs could benefit from pandemic assistance.

As is so often the case, we have continued to be awed by those that we have represented as a part of this project. We have been honored to work with individuals dedicating their time to mentoring youth; educating their community on job readiness, financial stability, and home ownership; and helping to create and protect affordable, quality housing.

It's also been rewarding to assist low-income entrepreneurs. Many of our clients come to us with great ideas but without access to capital or a network of people who can advise them about starting a business. We help level the playing field for them. With our assistance, clients have launched a cleaning business, opened a hair salon, and brought other needed services to their neighborhoods. 

We were able to launch and sustain this project based on support from the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, the expertise and hard work of our staff as well as broad and continued support of the private bar and their pro bono efforts.

In honor of Black History Month, we are spotlighting one of those clients in our Connecting with Pro Bono section.

Kate McGarvey

Executive Director

After a decade of experience as a Legal Aid Lawyer, Melissa Linville has moved into the role of Development Director of Ohio State Legal Services Association. In her new role, Melissa is thrilled to promote our work across the service area to grow our resources so we can help more low-income Ohioans. “I get to witness passionate attorneys advocate on behalf of our clients,” says Melissa. “Getting to share the life-changing impact of Legal Aid with community partners and organizations is the best part of my job.” When she is not working to grow Legal Aid’s resources, Melissa takes on the all-consuming role of keeping a two- and four-year-old fed, clothed, and “entertained” with her husband, Ryan.

After years of working in health services, Shieniece Potter and Carol Thomas had concerns about the disconnect between low-income women, especially Black mothers, and traditional medical providers. Franklin County’s high infant mortality rate further increased their worries. Thomas, a women’s health nurse, and Potter, a doula, wanted to do something improve health outcomes for women and their babies.

They began to plan a hybrid virtual and mobile organization that would offer prenatal, lactation, and nutrition education as well as mental health and doula services. They wanted to offer women options other than a traditional visit in a doctor’s office. “We saw that this was lacking in our community,” Potter said. “We wanted to fill that need."

They turned to the Legal Aid Society of Columbus for assistance in starting a nonprofit organization. Attorney Thomas Pope helped them incorporate and filed the necessary paperwork. In August 2022, Holistic Pregnancy and Wellness was established as a 501(c).

If you’re interested in helping clients like Shieniece and Carol transform Ohio communities for the better—or to learn more about our work—check out our Community Economic Development volunteer opportunities. 

“We were grateful to receive free help because we want to put our resources toward helping women. We’re unique. We know how to connect with these patients on a different level. There’s a huge need for this type of service and we can help fill the gap.”

—Shieniece Potter

Co-founder, Holistic Pregnancy and Wellness

Saturday Advice Clinic Opportunity

February 25, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Pro bono volunteers needed to answer questions on legal issues, including housing, family, consumer, and criminal record sealing. Morning and afternoon shifts available. Lunch and snacks provided by Tax Time Central Ohio. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Megan O’Dell!

Rural Eviction Prevention Project Launching

Many of our clients in Southeastern Ohio are facing landlord-tenant issues and are at risk of eviction. Through the Rural Eviction Prevention Project (REPP), pro bono attorneys give clients brief advice on steps to prevent an eviction from being filed. If you are interested in participating in REPP, contact Megan O’Dell.

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.