CENTRAL CALIFORNIA LEGAL SERVICES INC
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Mission Statement
CCLS – To Advance Justice and Empower People Central California Legal Services (CCLS) seeks to advance justice through education, direct legal services and collaborative impact litigation. Our efforts empower low-income communities to fight social injustice and to stand up for their rights as individuals, groups and communities. Values that guide our work: * Commitment to doing work that meets the legal needs of our communities; * Provide high-quality and respectful services and education that address our communities' diverse needs; and, * Promote systems change while serving individual clients with compassion and care. Current services include legal representation, counsel and advice, and legal education to preserve the rights of vulnerable residents while accessing additional services in support of their households' immediate needs.
About This Cause
Central California Legal Services, Inc. (CCLS) provides free legal advice and representation in civil matters to eligible low-income individuals in California’s central San Joaquin Valley. Established in 1966, our clients are the working poor, families with young children, people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, senior citizens, families with young services and other low-income individuals. Individuals in need of civil legal services may call our Legal Advice and Referral Line at (800) 675-8001 to speak with an advocate regarding their legal problem. The program serves individuals in Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Merced, Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties. Through our long-standing partnership with the Health Consumer Alliance, CCLS expanded services to health care consumers in the counties of Madera, San Luis Obispo, Stanislaus, Monterey, and San Benito regarding their specific health care concerns. CCLS offers several community clinics primarily staffed by pro bono attorneys, who address individuals’ legal problems on-site, or schedule them for additional assistance. Self-help materials are distributed, providing valuable information regarding legal rights, and where to find legal assistance and referrals to other community services, as appropriate. Staff also works with community and school groups to distribute informational materials on tenants’ rights, health care access, protective orders and senior concerns. Our services support families and individuals by preventing illegal evictions in private and subsidized housing, through limited-scope services and in-court representation; advocating for correction of substandard housing conditions; and working to increase the availability of affordable housing. CCLS helps people with disabilities to restore and preserve their public assistance grants, and to overcome denial of assistance, such as food stamps, disability and veterans’ benefits. Seniors benefit from specialized services such as simple wills and powers of attorney through monthly and quarterly legal clinics. Legal Representation: Many clients come to us on the brink of crisis. Most often, we are their last hope for justice. Our staff represent individuals through the challenging court process and we can connect them with pro bono legal services thanks to our network of volunteer attorneys. Our specialized legal teams address issues ranging from eviction to domestic violence, consumer fraud and lost benefits. Legal Advice: Individuals are educated about their rights, have their questions answered, and obtain access to additional legal resources. Our staff addresses their specific needs through advice and guidance. Without the opportunity to speak to an attorney, these individuals would be left vulnerable, with no place else to turn. Legal Clinics: Monthly and quarterly clinics provide valuable information, as well as a chance to ask questions. These clinics address issues such as the rights of low-wage workers, guardianship, veterans and senior matters.