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Northwestern Legal Services

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 251201331 ✦ Erie, PA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Northwestern Legal Services?

Northwestern Legal Services is a nonprofit organization based in Erie, Pennsylvania, specifically at 1001 State Street 700. Their primary mission is to support low-income individuals and families by navigating the legal system, utilizing advocacy and education to achieve justice. Their objective is to enhance the quality of life for these individuals and contribute to the strengthening of the community. Last year, they handled approximately 3,150 cases and successfully closed around 2,800 cases, resulting in a cumulative financial award of over $1.29 million for clients in 10 counties of northwestern Pennsylvania. The organization employs 36 individuals, blending traditional legal aid representation and counsel with innovative strategies.


Official website here: www.nwls.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 92% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)

Northwestern Legal Services has achieved a notable Four-Star rating on Charity Navigator, reflecting strong performance in accountability and finance. The organization’s score is based entirely on their accountability metrics, where they excelled, earning a perfect score for independent board members and oversight policies. This high level of transparency indicates a commitment to responsible financial management and governance.

Strengths of Northwestern Legal Services include their effective management of resources, evidenced by an impressive program expense ratio of 85.09%. This suggests that a significant portion of their funding is directed towards programs and services rather than administrative costs. Additionally, their independent board structure enhances the organization's credibility and decision-making processes.

While the organization demonstrates strong performance overall, there is a minor limitation noted in their liabilities to assets ratio, which stands at 54.93%. This figure indicates that while they maintain a healthy balance, there may be room for improvement in managing liabilities. Overall, Northwestern Legal Services appears to be a reliable nonprofit dedicated to its mission with solid financial practices.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Northwestern Legal Services legitimate?

Northwestern Legal Services is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Northwestern Legal Services submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $248,100
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,788,165

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.nwls.org

What is the mission statement of Northwestern Legal Services?

Northwestern Legal Services assists low-income individuals and families by navigating the legal system, advocating on their behalf, and providing education to obtain justice. Their goal is to improve the quality of life of these individuals and strengthen the community. They achieve this by combining traditional legal aid representation and counsel with innovative strategies. Last year, they handled approximately 3,150 cases and successfully closed around 2,800 cases for their clients, resulting in a cumulative financial award of over $1.29 million. This includes back awards, settlements, debt avoidance, and monthly benefits for poverty-level clients in their region.


Official website here: www.nwls.org

What is the revenue of Northwestern Legal Services?

Northwestern Legal Services's revenue in 2024 was $3,357,255.


Official website here: www.nwls.org

Who are the executives of Northwestern Legal Services and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Northwestern Legal Services during 2024 was $63,633. There are 32 employees and 36 volunteers at Northwestern Legal Services.

Here are 19 key members and their salaries:


Barbara Seman Ochs (Treasurer Thru June 2024)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Carol Summerville (Lay Vice-President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Craig Markham Esq (Law Vice-President Thru June 2024)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chester B Scholl Jr Esq (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alexandria Iwanenko Esq (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Christopher Ferry Esq (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Thomas Lent Esq (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gloria Coleman (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stacy Wallace Esq (Director Thru June 2024)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nicole Larson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rhonda Kauffeld (Director Thru June 2024)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Silvana Reed (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael Butler Esq (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joyce Carlgren (Director Thru June 2024)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lori Ross Esq (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Julianne Stefanick (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer Mcdonough Esq (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rami Sorge (Fiscal Manager)
  • Compensation: $88,377
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $25,057
Jacqueline Lager Esq (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $93,400
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $26,481


Official website here: www.nwls.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Northwestern Legal Services?

Northwestern Legal Services's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2024 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.nwls.org

Learn more at the official website: www.nwls.org

Mission Statement of Northwestern Legal Services

Northwestern Legal Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting low-income individuals and families in navigating the legal system. Their mission is achieved through advocacy and education, aiming to obtain justice for their clients and ultimately improve their quality of life. By combining traditional legal aid methods with innovative strategies, Northwestern Legal Services strives to strengthen the community. In the past year, they handled approximately 3,150 cases and closed around 2,800 of them, resulting in over $1.29 million in financial awards for their clients in the form of back awards, settlements, debt avoidance, and benefits for those living in poverty. This work by Northwestern Legal Services significantly impacts the lives of those in need, providing them with a chance at a better future.

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Impact




October, 2024

Northwestern Legal Services has a significant impact on the lives of low-income individuals and families in Northwestern Pennsylvania by navigating them through the complexities of the legal system. Through dedicated advocacy and education, the organization empowers clients to achieve justice, ultimately improving their quality of life.

In the past year alone, Northwestern Legal Services handled approximately 3,150 legal cases, successfully closing about 2,800 of them. Their efforts not only provide crucial representation but also yield substantial economic benefits for the community, with over $1.29 million in cumulative financial awards awarded to clients. This includes back awards, settlements, debts avoided, and ongoing monthly benefits for those living in poverty.

By blending traditional legal aid methods with innovative strategies, they strengthen the fabric of the community, ensuring that access to justice is available to those who need it most. The work done by Northwestern Legal Services fosters resilience and stability among families facing legal challenges, reinforcing the overall well-being of the region.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Northwestern Legal Services. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$3,357,255 (2024)
Expenses
$3,300,612 (2024)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2024.

  • Investment Income: $48,747
  • Program Service Revenue: $870
  • Gross Receipts: $3,357,255

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $2,238,836
  • Total Liabilities: $1,229,859
  • Net Assets: $1,008,977

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

COURT APPOINTMENTS

Revenue

$870

Organization Details

Founding Year

1969

Principal Officer

Jacqueline Lager

NTEE Category

Code: I80Z - Crime

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