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Legal Aid Of Western Michigan

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

EIN: 382156874 ✦ Grand rapids, MI ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Legal Aid Of Western Michigan?

Legal Aid of Western Michigan is a nonprofit organization situated in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their primary mission is to safeguard the rights and challenge injustice for low-income individuals who cannot afford legal services in civil matters. They provide free legal advocacy, ensuring access to justice for people and families. The organization closed 7,262 cases in the recent period, serving 17,437 clients and their family members. Their clientele includes families at risk of losing their homes, seniors experiencing abuse or targeted by scammers, taxpayers with IRS disputes, and survivors of domestic abuse seeking safety for themselves and their children. Additionally, 832 military veterans and their family members were among the beneficiaries of their services. Legal Aid of Western Michigan collaborates with private-sector attorneys through their pro bono program, referring 207 cases to volunteers. They deliver legal information and education to lower-income communities in West Michigan, providing resources both in-person and through recorded legal explainer videos. The organization also offers a professional development program for non-attorney professionals at other nonprofit organizations, providing an overview of landlord/tenant law.


Official website here: www.lawestmi.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Rating from Charity Navigator: 96% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)

Legal Aid Of Western Michigan has achieved an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong accountability and financial transparency. The organization has a 100% independent board and demonstrates responsible financial management, with a high program expense ratio of 87.75%. This indicates that a significant majority of its funds are directed towards its mission of providing legal aid, with no reported material diversions of assets.

Feedback from clients highlights the positive impact of the organization's services, particularly in disability cases. One client specifically noted the invaluable assistance received from Allegan Mental Health, indicating a high level of satisfaction among those served. Such testimonials emphasize the organization's effectiveness in meeting the legal needs of the community.

While the data showcases strong accountability and client satisfaction, it is worth noting that user reviews are limited, which may not fully represent the breadth of experiences among all clients. However, the available information positions Legal Aid Of Western Michigan as a reputable and reliable nonprofit dedicated to providing essential legal support.


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

Is Legal Aid Of Western Michigan legitimate?

Legal Aid Of Western Michigan is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Legal Aid Of Western Michigan 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: $259,146
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $4,658,989

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.lawestmi.org

What is the mission statement of Legal Aid Of Western Michigan?

The mission of Legal Aid of Western Michigan is centered around protecting the rights and challenging injustice for low-income individuals who cannot afford legal services in civil matters. They achieve this by providing free legal advocacy, representing and counseling these individuals. Their legal services significantly impact the community, helping low-income families maintain stable schedules, ensuring senior safety, and empowering people to access better job opportunities. In the past year, they closed 7,262 cases and assisted 17,437 clients and their household members, including working families, seniors, taxpayers, and survivors of domestic abuse. Moreover, they partnered with private-sector lawyers through their pro bono program and delivered legal information and education to lower-income communities.


Official website here: www.lawestmi.org

What is the revenue of Legal Aid Of Western Michigan?

Legal Aid Of Western Michigan's revenue in 2023 was $7,427,957.


Official website here: www.lawestmi.org

Who are the executives of Legal Aid Of Western Michigan and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Legal Aid Of Western Michigan during 2023 was $52,321. There are 94 employees and 177 volunteers at Legal Aid Of Western Michigan.

Here are 27 key members and their salaries:


Pamela Hoekwater (Executive Di)
  • Compensation: $146,434
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $25,437
Karen Tjapkes (Dir. Of Liti)
  • Compensation: $104,480
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $23,850
Mary Schroeder (Director Of)
  • Compensation: $42,118
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $2,831
Randy Smith (Past Dir. Of)
  • Compensation: $37,769
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $4,557
Jim Boerigter (Attorney Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tracey W Brame (Attorney Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Brunner (Board Vice P)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Caressa Bryant (Community Me)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mike Callahan (Attorney Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Angelique Camfield (Attorney Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mike Campbell (Attorney Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Hon Susan Dobrich (Attorney Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Hannah Earl (At Large Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Melody Washington Hannibal (Community Me)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alvin Bacon Jr (Board Secret)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Konjoh Konjoh (Community Me)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Diann Landers (Attorney Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jenny Mcneill (Board Treasu)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chris Meyer (Attorney Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Melissa Neckers (Board Presid)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Damien Sanchez (Attorney Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tia Shaw (Community Me)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Helen Simic (Community Me)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Steinhoff (Attorney Mem)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kathryn Teeter (Community Me)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cindy Vanderkodde (Community Me)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Waldridge Witherspoon (Community Me)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.lawestmi.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Legal Aid Of Western Michigan?

Legal Aid Of Western Michigan's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.lawestmi.org

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

Mission Statement of Legal Aid Of Western Michigan

Legal Aid of Western Michigan, a nonprofit organization, is committed to safeguarding justice and protecting the rights of low-income individuals who cannot afford legal services in civil matters. By providing legal representation and counsel, the organization strives to challenge injustice and combat poverty. Their mission is threefold: firstly, they protect the rights of individuals and families, secondly, they fight against injustice, and lastly, they work tirelessly to alleviate poverty through free legal advocacy.

The organization's impact extends beyond the justice system, significantly affecting the lives of low-income families. They help families maintain stable schedules, ensure the safety and health of seniors, and empower individuals to access better job opportunities and life prospects. In the past year, Legal Aid of Western Michigan closed 7,262 cases and served 17,437 clients and their household members. Their services have benefited various groups, including working families threatened with homelessness, seniors subjected to abuse or scammed, taxpayers with IRS disputes, and survivors of domestic abuse seeking safety for themselves and their children. The organization also extends its support to 832 military veterans and their families.

In addition to legal representation, Legal Aid of Western Michigan partners with private-sector attorneys through their pro bono program, referring 207 cases to volunteers. To disseminate legal information and education, the organization delivers in-person programs and records a series of legal explainer videos to answer frequently asked client questions. They also offer a professional development program for non-attorney professionals at other nonprofit organizations, providing an overview of landlord/tenant law.

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Impact




July, 2024

Legal Aid of Western Michigan's impact is profound. By providing free legal advocacy for low-income individuals in civil matters, they secure justice and protect the rights of those unable to obtain and pay for legal services. Their services have far-reaching effects, impacting working families facing housing insecurity, seniors vulnerable to abuse or scams, taxpayers with IRS disputes, and survivors of domestic abuse seeking safety for themselves and their children. In total, they closed 7,262 cases and assisted 17,437 clients and their household members, including 832 military veterans. Through educational programs, partnerships with private-sector attorneys, and pro bono work, Legal Aid of Western Michigan empowers individuals and families to live and work with stability, access better opportunities, and navigate legal challenges effectively, ultimately working to challenge injustice and fight poverty in their community.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Legal Aid Of Western Michigan. 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
$7,427,957 (2023)
Expenses
$7,192,866 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $124,138
  • Program Service Revenue: $35,134
  • Gross Receipts: $7,427,957

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $4,980,669
  • Total Liabilities: $1,544,002
  • Net Assets: $3,436,667

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Programs

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

ATTORNEY FEES

Revenue

$35,134

Organization Details

Founding Year

1977

Principal Officer

Pamela Hoekwater

NTEE Category

Code: I80 - Crime

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