Seeking legal assistance is expensive, and that's why the Spokane Volunteer Lawyers Program provides free legal services to help bridge the gaps in the system that are often present for low-income individuals.
"I feel like the legal system is very stressful, and for someone who's not familiar with it, I want to ease some of that stress," says Spokane Volunteer Lawyers Program coordinator Charity Rotinski. "I think it's important that that's something we always consider at the VLP, that we help take away some of the stress, the fear and the anxiety."
Started in 1985, the volunteer-run nonprofit provides legal education and advice to low-income individuals in Spokane, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Ferry and Lincoln county through clinics, events and classes.
"We assist people with their family law cases, some limited consumer legal issues, and we do wills and estate planning clinics several times a year, and all of our services are free," Rotinski says.
The organization offers weekly family law clinics, including providing advice and assistance with divorce, custody and child support issues, among other things. There are also monthly walk-in legal clinics and weekly consumer assistance projects for people to get advice on things such as creditors garnishing wages or landlords who are overcharging their tenants.
Since Spokane Volunteer Lawyers Program is run by volunteers, Rotinski adds that it can also serve as a helpful resource to those beginning their work in law.
"I place a high emphasis on volunteers helping here, especially if it's students entering the legal field or new attorneys who want to find out where they want to practice and what area of law they're interested in," she says.
Rotinski recommends contributing financial support through the Spokane County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers program or through their Amazon wishlist at spokanevop.org/support-the-vlp. "If you are an attorney or Limited License Legal Technician, please volunteer your time. You can really can make a difference and have a positive impact on a lot of people," she adds.
"Everyone knows it's not usually affordable for somebody to hire an attorney, so we offer guidance and assistance when we can to try to help that process go a little smoother," Rotinski says. "I want people to feel safe and welcome, and to know that we're going to do the best we can."
MORE TO CHECK OUT
SPOKANE POTTERS GUILD
1404 N. Fiske St.
Spokane Potters Guild is a nonprofit dedicated to making the art of pottery accessible to all, regardless of their skill level. The guild offers a variety of classes, such as wheel and hand building classes for beginner and intermediate potters, and workshops for advanced potters. The Spokane Potters Guild offers membership options to those who have completed one of their eight-week classes, allowing them access to the studio and equipment. "We have a lot of really talented people here, and most of them are willing to share their knowledge so if your goal is to learn more about pottery, it's the place to go," says Sarah Albert, executive vice president. Pieces created by Spokane Potters Guild members are available for sale at the studio, which is funded by membership fees, class tuition, fundraisers and donations. For more information about upcoming classes or events, visit spokanepottersguild.org.
SPOKANE HELPERS NETWORK
spokanehelpersnetwork.org
The Spokane Helpers Network connects people to organizations that can provide them support in acquiring the necessities of daily life. The nonprofit also has three year-round programs providing individuals with food and hygiene items, and they partner with schools including Grant, Stevens, Whitman and Regal Elementary to provide clothing and other supplies to students. The organization runs multiple year-round and seasonal drives, where you can donate things like food and clothes. Visit the website for information on making financial donations or to learn about becoming a volunteer.
PARTNERS WITH FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
106 W. Mission Ave.
Partners with Families and Children provides services to assist children experiencing abuse. They provide medical exams, forensic interviews and therapy for children, as well as legal advocacy services for children. Additionally, Partners with Families and Children provide a variety of family counseling and parenting support services, as well as a Substance Use Disorders program for parents. Partners with Families and Children is funded in part by a number of health care organizations, Washington state departments and local government. Get involved in the mission to eradicate child abuse by learning about how to be an advocate, or explore opportunities for volunteering and donating at partnerswithfamilies.org/get-involved.
