The Oklahoma Bar Journal September 2023

B ar F oundation N ews

Community Partners for Justice Campaign

A CCESS TO LEGAL SERVICES can be life-changing, but sadly, most of the legal issues faced by low-income Oklahomans go unresolved due to insufficient resources to get legal help. Such unmet legal needs are often the reason Oklahoma families remain in a perpetual cycle of poverty, abuse and hardship. This is why the OBF recently launched its Community Partners for Justice Campaign – to raise more funds to better meet the legal needs of those living in our state. According to the 2022 Justice Gap Study by the Legal Services Corp., 20% of Oklahoma house hold incomes are less than 125% of the federal poverty level. This puts us at fourth in the U.S. for the proportion of low-income residents.

This same report shows alarming national estimates that more than half of low-income households have one or more legal issues. Nonprofits work hard every day to meet the demand, but unfortu nately, the number of people trying to get help with legal issues over whelms the resources available. “The legal needs in our state are vast, and it will take every Oklahoma lawyer to make an impact on them,” said OBF President Deanna Hartley-Kelso. “Partnering with the OBF is one of the best ways to do that and ensure there is adequate funding to sup port our communities.” Contributions to the Community Partners Campaign will directly support OBF Grantees providing critical legal services across the

Oklahoma population has a household income of <125% of the federal poverty level

low-income families faced one or more legal issues

low-income families faced two or more legal issues

low-income families faced five or more legal issues

state. These services include legal representation for a wide-ranging group of vulnerable populations, including deprived children, domestic violence victims, home less people, refugees, victims of human trafficking and low-income individuals in need of civil legal aid. All law firms, organizations and businesses are invited to join the 2023 Community Partners Campaign. The deadline for dona tions is Sept. 30. Donor recognition for this campaign starts at $1,000, but all donations are accepted. Contact OBF Development Director Candice Pace for more information and if you would like to schedule a presentation for your group. Email candicej@okbar.org or call 405-416-7070.

2023 COMMUNITY PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CAMPAIGN

Choose your level of impact: $1,000/year – Community Partner $2,500/year – Community Supporter $5,000/year – Community Champion $7,500/year – Community Pillar $10,000+/year – Community Cornerstone Give online at www.okbarfoundation.org/donate Mail checks to: Oklahoma Bar Foundation, P.O. Box 53036, Oklahoma City, OK 73152

74 | SEPTEMBER 2023

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL