SearchA Message from our Executive Director
When I reflect on last year’s accomplishments, what impresses me the most is the immense support of our partners and what that support allows MVLS to accomplish. As an organization, we are nimble and able to adapt to tackle the major legal challenges faced by Maryland’s most vulnerable. The impact MVLS has had the last year is grounded in our belief that we must remain committed to our 40 plus years of providing quality free civil legal services to low-income Marylanders in our six core areas AND be responsive to new opportunities to further our ability to help more individuals.
I’m so pleased to share highlights from MVLS’ annual report with you. The stories we share with you this year reflect our commitment to maintaining our mission within our core legal areas and our ability to take on new innovative programs.
Click each image to read the full story behind each annual report story.
Protecting My Legacy – The threat of losing your home could easily be immobilizing for any of us. But not for Marcia Williams, who has fought to keep her family home for over 13 years. Thankfully, Ms. Williams found her way to MVLS, and we are helping her secure her future by utilizing a new remedy that MVLS successfully advocated for in the Maryland General Assembly. Ms. Williams shares the roadblocks she’s had to navigate and how she and others will benefit from this recent advocacy.
Cannabis and the Governor’s Pardons – In my now 11+ years at MVLS, I never would have imagined spending so much time this year talking about and implementing strategy around cannabis! But with the recent legalization, and the direct impact it has on our workforce development project to reduce employment barriers, we recognized that we needed to provide robust resources to the community. We had already launched a major outreach campaign, and then the Governor’s pardon announcement made international headlines because of its impact. This article details the significant efforts undertaken by our workforce development team to remove these employment barriers for thousands of Marylanders.
My Attorney Was My Voice – Many families turn to MVLS when they need help with a family law matter. It makes sense, who would want to navigate a divorce or custody proceeding on their own. Court outcomes in these matters are truly life altering. The relief they feel when they are matched with a volunteer and know they have an advocate by their side during an incredibly challenging time in their life is immeasurable. Ms. McCartin shared what her MVLS volunteer match meant to her.
Our commitment to our mission to remove barriers to justice through free civil legal help, community engagement, and advocacy for equitable laws is woven through each of the stories shared above. As is reflected in this year’s annual report numbers, lists, and stories, we move forward our shared commitment to a fair justice system by working together.
Thank you so much.
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