FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2023
Media Contact:
Jenna Hynek, Legal Aid of Nebraska, Communications Manager
402-880-9889 | jhynek@legalaidofnebraska.org
Legal Aid of Nebraska Celebrates 60 Years of Making Equal Justice Happen
OMAHA, NE – On Friday, October 6, Legal Aid of Nebraska will celebrate 60 years of making equal justice happen. The milestone event will be held at Founders ONE | NINE in downtown Omaha from 5 – 8 p.m. The evening will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, a silent auction, and a short program to commemorate six decades of providing free civil legal services to low-income Nebraskans. Tickets and anniversary memorabilia are available for purchase at the event registration page.
Legal Aid of Nebraska began its journey in 1963 under the name ‘Legal Aid Society of Omaha’. Soon after, two more legal services programs formed locally across Nebraska: Southeast Nebraska Legal Services in 1964 and Western Nebraska Legal Services in 1965, in Lincoln and Scottsbluff respectively. Then, in 2000, as a monumental step towards greater accessibility and efficiency, all three legal service organizations merged to form what is now known as Legal Aid of Nebraska.
Today, Legal Aid of Nebraska has a statewide presence, with offices strategically located in Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Grand Island, Bancroft, North Platte, and Scottsbluff, ensuring that low-income Nebraskans across all 93 counties have access to high-quality, free civil legal aid. Legal Aid of Nebraska provides legal assistance in four priority areas: Children and Families, Debt and Finance, Housing, and, Income and Benefits. In 2022 alone, Legal Aid had a total economic impact of $10,545,109. This includes increased income and assets, and decreased debt for Nebraskans across the entire state. Legal Aid of Nebraska is the only nonprofit solely dedicated to doing this work, and averages approximately 1,400 requests for assistance each month.
Legal Aid of Nebraska’s efforts to provide equal access to justice have not gone unnoticed, garnering special recognition from the Nebraska State Legislature and Senator Conrad for its 60-year celebration. Legislative Resolution 86 highlights the extensive services that Legal Aid provides.
“Legal Aid of Nebraska has helped countless individuals and families in our state stay housed, become more financially stable, and meet their basic needs over the past six decades,” said Laurie Heer Dale, Executive Director. “This milestone is not just a celebration of our past achievements but a renewed commitment to our mission. We are incredibly grateful to our supporters, partners, staff, and volunteers who have been the heart and soul of our organization for the past six decades. Together, we will continue to make justice accessible to all.”
Legal Aid of Nebraska extends a special thank you to Kutak Rock LLP and Baird Holm LLP for their support as Justice Presenting Sponsors. Along with the celebration, Legal Aid of Nebraska will recognize partners who have made a significant impact. The Equal Justice Partner Awards reflect exceptional dedication to assisting Legal Aid of Nebraska move its mission forward:
- Lifetime Partner Award:
- Law Firm Partner Award:
- Lamson Dugan, & Murray, Omaha NE
- Community Partner Award:
- Together, Inc., Omaha NE
- Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership, Grand Island NE
