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2006 Annual Report
(PDF Format)          

   For press inquiries, contact:
                                                       James Kearney, Esq.
                                                       Director of Development
                                                       (717) 299-0971 ext. 2215
              

News Release

September 28, 2005

Legal Aid OFFICE TO MOVE

 Carlisle, PA - MidPenn Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal help to low-income people, today announced that their Cumberland County office will be moving on October 3, 2005.  The new office is located at 401 East Louther Street, Suite 103, Carlisle. “MidPenn Legal Services is tremendously grateful to the Cumberland County Bar Association and Bar Foundation for supporting our move,” said Attorney Grace D’Alo, manager of the office.  “We also want to thank Rick Rovegno for his tireless and patient efforts to customize our new space to meet the needs of our staff and clients.” 

All other contact information will remain the same: Phone - 717-243-9400, 800-822-5288; Fax - 717-243-8026.  For more information about MidPenn visit www.midpenn.org.

News Release

August 5, 2004

Attorney Reeder Heads Lawyers for Poor

Harrisburg, Lewistown, Huntingdon, and State College, PA  - Huntingdon County’s biggest advocate for equal justice for the poor, Attorney Harvey B. Reeder, was appointed to serve a second term as President of the MidPenn Legal Services’ Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on July 15.  MidPenn provides free legal help to low-income individuals in eighteen Central Pennsylvania counties.

 Attorney Reeder, is a graduate of The Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University, and has been in private practice for thirty years. For over 24 years, he has volunteered his time and expertise to the clients of legal aid.  Through MidPenn’s Pro Bono Project he has taken cases at no charge and participated in legal education events. Attorney Reeder has served on the Board since 1993, and in May 2000, he was a recipient of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Pro Bono Award.

News Release

August 5, 2004

Hoffman Sponsors Legal Aid Connection

 Gettysburg, PA - The Robert C. Hoffman Endowment funded a day-long training conducted by MidPenn Legal Services for human services organizations in Adams County.  The Legal Aid Connection was developed by MidPenn staff to provide information about legal aid and the legal issues facing the low-income population in Adams County.

MidPenn Attorneys Don Marritz and John Perry led the event which focused on domestic violence, custody, public benefits, housing and consumer law.  MidPenn Board Member, Attorney Patrick Quinn spoke to the group about MidPenn’s Pro Bono Project.  The Pro Bono Project is a volunteer program that enlists the aid of members of the private bar to provide free services to low-income individuals throughout the MidPenn service area. Approximately 27 human services professionals attended the training held on June 23, 2004 at the Gettysburg Recreation Center.  Agencies that participated included: Rural Opportunity, Inc., United Way, CASSP, Children and Youth Services, The South Central Employment Corporation, Lincoln IU #12, ACH/ACHC and New Life Outreach Ministries.  Two representatives from Congressman Todd Platt’s office also attended.

 For more information about MidPenn Legal Services visit us on the web at www.midpenn.org.

News Release

May 21, 2004

Legal Aid OFFICE TO MOVE

Pottsville, PA  - MidPenn Legal Services, a non-profit law firm serving low-income clients, is pleased to announce that its Pottsville Office will be relocating to Park Hotel 315-317 North Centre Street, Pottsville. The new office location will be open on June 1, 2004. The local telephone and fax numbers will remain the same: 570-628-3931; Fax: 570-628-9697.  The new toll-free number is 866-638-0606.

 MidPenn’s mission is to provide free representation to low-income people with a broad range of civil legal problems. To qualify for legal help, an individual /family’s income must be within the financial eligibility guidelines set by MidPenn’s funding sources.  For more information about MidPenn visit www.midpenn.org.

News Release

April 22, 2004

Legal Aid OFFICE TO MOVE

Altoona, PA – MidPenn Legal Services, a non-profit law firm serving low-income clients, is pleased to announce that the Altoona Office will be relocating to 205 Lakemont Park Boulevard, Altoona. The new office location will be open on May 3. The telephone and fax numbers will remain the same: (814)943-8139 - Fax (814) 944-2640.  To apply for services call (800)326-9177. 

MidPenn’s mission is to provide free representation to low-income people with a broad range of civil legal problems. To qualify for legal help, an individual /family’s income must be within the financial eligibility guidelines set by MidPenn’s funding sources.  For more information about MidPenn visit www.midpenn.org.

News Release

March 25, 2004

Legal Aid Attorney Awarded for Excellence

Lebanon – Governor Edward Rendell was the keynote speaker at Pennsylvania Legal Services’ 2004 Excellence Awards on March 10, 2004.  Howard Miskey, an attorney at MidPenn Legal Services – Lebanon County, was one of the recipients recognized at the annual awards dinner in Harrisburg. For over 28 years, Attorney Miskey has dedicated his life to advocating on behalf of those who are less fortunate.  He is a 1998 recipient of the Eleanor Taylor Award for his work on behalf of fair and affordable housing.  He is currently working with the United Way on the issues involving homelessness.

MidPenn Legal Services is a non-profit law firm that focuses on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability: obtaining support for families, preserving homes, and maintaining income and resources.  For more information about MidPenn visit www.midpenn.org.

News Release

November 25, 2003

Legal Services Office Opens

November 25, 2003--MidPenn Legal Services takes great pleasure in announcing the opening of a branch office in Lewistown, Pennsylvania.  This is a milestone in the provision of free legal services to the poor in Mifflin County.   There has not been a local legal services office for over 10 years.   Keystone Legal Services closed its Lewistown office in 1992. The new legal services office is located at 3 West Monument Square and is staffed by Attorney Rebecca Ardoline, Paralegal Lois Kenepp and Secretary Nina Shafer.

MidPenn Legal Services is a private, nonprofit corporation provides free legal services to marginalized populations in 18 Pennsylvania counties, including Mifflin.  For more information about MidPenn visit www.midpenn.org.

News Release

November 19, 2003

Legal Aid Gets New Executive Director

Harrisburg - November 19, 2003  — MidPenn Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm, announced the appointment of Rhodia D. Thomas as its new Executive Director. Ms. Thomas took on her new position on November 1, 2003.

Ms. Thomas, a graduate of the Widener School of Law, formerly held the position of Chief Administrator Officer for Pennsylvania Legal Services – the state funder and oversight agency of legal services agencies in Pennsylvania. Ms. Thomas brings to MidPenn over fourteen years of experience in public interest law.  In her new position she will oversee the provision of legal services to marginalized populations in eighteen Pennsylvania counties.

News Release

September 30, 2003

MidPenn Legal Services Hires Attorney

 for Bedford

Bedford and Altoona – September 30, 2003.  — MidPenn Legal Services takes great pleasure in announcing the recent hire of Attorney J. Michael Mondok for its Bedford service office.  Attorney Mondok, formerly of Middlesex, Pennsylvania, is a graduate of the University of Akron School of Law and has 11 years of experience working with Northeast Ohio Legal Services.  Prior to accepting the position with MidPenn he was employed as an adjunct professor at Kent State University and as an on-line instructor at Kaplan College.  Attorney Mondok joins Deb Wiley, MidPenn legal secretary, in providing legal assistance to the low-income residents of Bedford County. 

MidPenn Legal Services is a non-profit corporation that helps marginalized populations obtain equal justice by focusing on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability; preserve homes, and maintain income and resources.  MidPenn serves residents of eighteen counties in central Pennsylvania.  For more information about MidPenn Legal Services, call 1/800-326-9177 or visit our website at www.midpenn.org.

News Release

March 3, 2003

Chambersburg Office  Relocates

Clients to Receive Assistance at New Location

CHAMBERSBURG, PA  - March 3, 2003- MidPenn Legal Services is pleased to announce that our Chambersburg Office has relocated to 230 Lincoln Way East, Suite A, Chambersburg as of today. Although the address has changed, our telephone number will remain the same – (717) 264-5354. The new office location is conveniently located near the courthouse, is handicapped-accessible, and has ample parking.

MidPenn Legal Services is a non-profit law firm providing civil legal assistance to low-income clients and to victims of domestic violence who otherwise have no place else to turn. MidPenn’s advocates help clients obtain equal justice by focusing on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability: obtaining support for families, preserving homes, and maintaining income and resources. In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly and education. MidPenn serves residents of an eighteen county area in central Pennsylvania through thirteen field offices. Residents of Franklin and Fulton County receive services through the Chambersburg office. 
 

News Release

February 28, 2003

Paul Sternberg Honored

Striving Towards Excellence Award Presented

HARRISBURG and LANCASTER, PA-  February 28, 2003-  Pennsylvania Legal Services presented their eleventh annual Striving Towards Excellence awards on Tuesday, February 25. The Striving Towards Excellence awards honor and celebrate the extraordinary people who are part of, or contribute their time and talents to legal aid programs across the state. 

Paul Sternberg, a paralegal at MidPenn Legal Services- Lancaster, received this prestigious award for many reasons, one of which is his long-term commitment to the fight for fairness during the last twenty-four years. Paul is also known throughout the state for his vast knowledge of welfare law and is often looked to as a resource and mentor. Also highlighted was Mr. Paul’s ability to empower clients and encourage them as they work to improve their quality of life.

In addition to recognizing the Striving Towards Excellence winners, many members of the Pennsylvania Legislature and other key officials were honored for their hard work and unselfish contributions of time in pursuit of equal access to justice on behalf of Pennsylvania’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

MidPenn Legal Services is a non-profit law firm providing civil legal assistance to low-income clients and to victims of domestic violence who otherwise have no place else to turn. MidPenn’s advocates help clients obtain equal justice by focusing on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability: obtaining support for families, preserving homes, and maintaining income and resources. In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly and education. MidPenn serves residents of an eighteen county area in central Pennsylvania through thirteen field offices.

News Release

February 23, 2003

ManAGER NAMED TO COMMITTEE

Brent Frank appointed BY LSC

Harrisburg and State College– February 24, 2003-   Brent Frank, Regional Manager for MidPenn Legal Services, has been appointed to the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Advisory Committee on Leadership and Diversity. This national committee was developed a year ago to help LSC seriously explore ways in which diversity plays a role in the delivery of legal services to low income clients and victims of domestic violence.

Randi Youells, Legal Services Corporation Vice President for Programs, stated “Brent will make a wonderful addition to our Committee. Since the majority of the membership is comprised of project directors, we felt the need to expand the committee to include other legal services staff as well as clients. Brent will bring a very valuable perspective to the group and we are looking forward to him joining the committee.”

Brent joined MidPenn Legal Services in October 2002.  In his role as Regional Manager, he is responsible for the daily operation of non-profit law offices in Altoona, Bedford, Clearfield, and State College that provide civil legal assistance to low-income clients and to victims of domestic violence.

MidPenn’s advocates help clients obtain equal justice by focusing on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability: obtaining support for families, preserving homes, and maintaining income and resources. In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly and education. MidPenn serves residents of an eighteen county area in central Pennsylvania through thirteen field offices.

Michelle DeBord, Executive Director of MidPenn Legal Services, describes Brent as “a leader of the highest quality with a unique talent for inspiring teamwork and bringing out the best in his staff. He has much to contribute to this important LSC Committee.”

News Release

February 13, 2003

MIDPENN LEBANON FINDS A PERMANENT HOME

New Office at 513 Chestnut Street

Despite the fire, MidPenn continued to serve clients from donated space in the Courthouse. MidPenn’s staff is  pleased with the outpouring of support and financial assistance received during this time of upheaval and greatly appreciates the generosity of the Lebanon County Court, the Lebanon County Bar Association, the United Way of Lebanon, the clients of legal services, and the community-at-large.

MidPenn Legal Services is a non-profit law firm providing civil legal assistance to low-income clients and to victims of domestic violence who otherwise have no where else to turn. MidPenn’s advocates help clients obtain equal justice by focusing on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability: obtaining support for families, preserving homes, and maintaining income and resources. In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly and education. MidPenn serves residents of an eighteen county area in central Pennsylvania through thirteen field offices. 

News Release

September 21, 2002

MidPeNN LEGAL SERVICES NAMES 
NEW PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

 Harvey B. Reeder, Esq. to Serve

News Release

September 20, 2002

Midpenn legal services ANNOUNCES 
TEMPORARY LOCATION

 Services Clients to be Served from Courthouse

LEBANON–September 20, 2002-  The Lebanon Office of MidPenn Legal Services suffered significant smoke and water damage as a result of a fire that occurred last Saturday. The office, located at 120 North Eighth Street, is being temporarily relocated to Room 308 in the Lebanon Courthouse beginning Monday, September 23.

Despite the fire, MidPenn will continue to serve clients. In order to speak with a member of the MidPenn Lebanon staff, clients should call (717) 274-2834 and leave a message. Calls will be returned as quickly as possible. Clients with an emergency legal problem should contact MidPenn at 800-732-0025. Despite the relocation of the office, mail should still be sent to the 120 North Eighth Street address and will be held at the Post Office for daily pickup. Faxes should be sent to 274-0379.

MidPenn’s staff has been very pleased with the support of the community during this time of upheaval and greatly appreciates the generosity of those who have offered assistance.  Individuals wishing to make a donation to MidPenn should contact James Kearney, Director of Development, at (717) 234-0492 . Checks may be made payable to MidPenn Legal Services and may be sent to 213 A North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 c/o Lebanon Fire. Contributions to MidPenn are tax-exempt as allowable by law.

MidPenn Legal Services is a private, non-profit firm that provides legal assistance to low-income clients and to victims of domestic violence. MidPenn’s advocates focus on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability.  In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly and education. MidPenn serves residents of an eighteen county area in central Pennsylvania through thirteen field offices. 

News Release

September 16, 2002

Lebanon office of Midpenn legal services Damaged by Fire

MidPenn Legal Services is a private, non-profit firm that provides legal assistance to low-income clients and to victims of domestic violence. MidPenn’s advocates focus on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability.  In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly and education. MidPenn serves residents of an eighteen county area in central Pennsylvania through thirteen field offices.

News Release

August 21, 2002

Recognition Ceremony to be Held
in Schuylkill County

 PEER Project Seniors to Complete Training 

As members of PEER, resident volunteers attend 5 two-hour training sessions. These sessions are conducted by the State Ombudsman Office and are hosted by local nursing homes. When the training is completed, residents receive a certificate and a badge.  Once trained, the resident can function as the PEER representative for the residents at their home facility.

The purpose of the PEER initiative is to assist residents in gaining the knowledge and skills that are necessary to self-advocate and to problem solve within their own facility.  Once residents are better educated regarding their rights and the methods of resolving problems, they will be less dependent on a third party for assistance.

The following individuals will be presented badges and certificates by Laurie Sisak, Long Term Care Ombudsman and Cindy Boyne, State Ombudsman: Pauline Arndt of Schuylkill Center in Pottsville, Helen August of Broad Mountain Nursing & Rehab in Frackville, Kenneth Bower of Tremont Nursing Center, Dorothy Davison of Hometown Nursing Center, Patricia Heitz of Shenandoah Manor Nursing Center, Kathryn Hummel of Orwigsburg Manor, Kathryn Long of Trinity Mission in Shenandoah, Bea Lutchkus of Schuylkill Center in Pottsville, Robert McCann of St. Luke's/Miners Memorial in Coaldale, Millie Siemanis of York Terrace in Pottsville, Geraldine Sticher of Orwigsburg Manor, Eleanor Whalen of Ashland Regional Medical Center, Arlene Yaich of Seton Manor in Orwigsburg and Willis Zimmerman of Rest Haven Nursing Center, Schuylkill Haven.

Rest Haven Nursing Center in Schuylkill Haven has graciously offered to host the final training session and ceremony as well as provide lunch for the residents, staff members, and guests in attendance.

MidPenn Legal Services provides Ombudsman services for Schuylkill County under a contract with the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services and with support from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.  For more information on the PEER Pilot Project, contact the Schuylkill County Ombudsman Office at (570) 628-3931 ext. 204.

News Release

June 18, 2002

PEER Pilot Project Holds Inaugural Training

 Schuylkill County Serves as Pilot 

POTTSVILLE and HARRISBURG –June 18, 2002-  The Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (PEER) Pilot Project will hold its inaugural training June 21, 2002 at the Ashland Regional Medical Center. The PEER Pilot Project is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania as well as the Nation.

Schuylkill County Ombudsman Carolyn Tenaglia developed and coordinates the resident empowerment initiative, Concerned Resident Advocates, which was presented at the PA Department of Aging’s Annual Enrichment last April. The concept was embraced by the Department of Aging and now serves as the springboard for the PEER Pilot Project which will hopefully become a statewide initiative in the years to come.

The purpose of the PEER initiative is to assist residents in gaining the knowledge and skills that are necessary to self-advocate and to problem solve within their own facility.  Once residents are better educated regarding their rights and the methods of resolving problems, they will be less dependent on a third party for assistance.

As members of PEER, resident volunteers attend 5 two-hour training sessions. These sessions are conducted by the State Ombudsman Office and are hosted by local nursing homes. When the training is completed, the resident will receive a certificate and a badge from the Ombudsman Office.  Once trained, the resident can function as the PEER representative for the residents at their home facility.

Ashland Regional Medical Center has graciously offered to host the training as well as provide lunch for the residents and staff members in attendance.

MidPenn Legal Services provides Ombudsman services for Schuylkill County under a contract with the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services.  For more information on Concerned Resident Advocates and the PEER Pilot Project, contact the Schuylkill County Ombudsman Office at (570) 628-3931 ext. 204.

News Release

April 9, 2002

Schuylkill County Ombudsman Program Honored by PA Department of Aging

Concerned Resident Advocates Initiative a Success

POTTSVILLE and HARRISBURG –April 9, 2002-  The Schuylkill County Ombudsman program’s Concerned Resident Advocates organization was honored by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at a Statewide Annual Enrichment Training held April 8-10 at the Radisson Penn Harris in Camp Hill. Concerned Resident Advocates, the first organization of its kind in Pennsylvania, was recognized by the Department of Aging as one of six Best Ombudsman Practices in the state.

Schuylkill County Ombudsman Carolyn Tenaglia developed and coordinates this resident empowerment initiative, Concerned Resident Advocates, whose mission is to advocate for positive change within the local delivery system for long-term care.  The group is comprised of a representative from each of the fourteen nursing homes in the county and membership is restricted to nursing home residents. Members of the group take turns hosting the meeting at nursing homes throughout the county. The meetings are a forum for discussion and idea sharing as well as an opportunity for residents to advocate for change.

Ms. Arlene Yaich, co-chair of Concerned Resident Advocates, was recognized for her outstanding leadership with the presentation of a plaque from the Department of Aging. Ms. Yaich said “Concerned Resident Advocates has given us, the residents, the opportunity to make positive changes in the quality of life at our facilities. It’s nice to have the chance to share concerns and ideas about our needs with each other.”

MidPenn Legal Services provides Ombudsman services for Schuylkill County under a contract with the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services.  For more information on Concerned Resident Advocates, contact the Schuylkill County Ombudsman Office at (570) 628-3931 ext. 204.

February 4, 2002

MidPenn Legal Services Honors Local Volunteer Attorneys

Twenty Huntingdon County Attorneys Aid County Residents

HARRISBURG and HUNTINGDON, PA-  February 4, 2002-  MidPenn Legal Services recognized and thanked Huntingdon County attorneys who volunteered their services to MidPenn’s Pro Bono Program for 2002 at the February 4, 2002 meeting of the Huntingdon County Bar Association.   The Pro Bono Program provides free legal representation to low income persons in Mifflin, Centre, Clearfield, Huntingdon and Juniata Counties by securing the ongoing support and volunteer assistance from members of the private bar in these counties.

Gifts of appreciation for the 2001 Pro Bono Program were presented by Michelle DeBord, Executive Director of MidPenn, on behalf of the Board of Directors to the following members of the Huntingdon County Bar Association for their dedication and continued commitment to providing pro bono legal services to low-income persons in Huntingdon County: Barbara Baxter, Charles Bierbach, Robert Covell, Frederick Gutshall, Michael Kipphan, Andrea Lehman, Robert Maylock, James McClure, Thomas McDowell, Peter McManamon, Robert McMinn, William Myers, David Ody, Harvey Reeder, David Smith, Robert Stewart, Charles Swigart, Jennifer Swigart Newman, Helen Woolley and George Zanic.  In addition, Michael Kipphan, Robert Maylock, and Jennifer Swigart-Newman were honored for five years of participation in the Pro Bono Project. Charles Bierbach and William Myers were recognized for reaching milestones in their volunteer commitment to the Pro Bono Program. They have each provided 15 years of volunteer service.

MidPenn Legal Services is a private, non-profit Pennsylvania Corporation that provides civil legal assistance to the poor and to victims of domestic violence and focuses on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability.  In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly and education.  MidPenn serves residents of an eighteen county area in Central Pennsylvania through twelve field offices.  Residents of Huntingdon County receive services through the State College office. 

For more information about MidPenn Legal Services and the Pro Bono Project please call the State College office at (814) 238-4958.  Persons in need of legal representation may contact MidPenn Legal Services at 1-800-326-9177.

January 30, 2002

MidPenn Legal Services Honors
Local Volunteer Attorneys

Eight Mifflin County Attorneys Aid County Residents

HARRISBURG and REEDSVILLE - January 30, 2002-  MidPenn Legal Services recognized and thanked Mifflin County attorneys who volunteered their services to MidPenn’s Pro Bono Program for 2001 at the January 30, 2002 meeting of the Mifflin County Bar Association.  The Pro Bono Program provides free legal representation to low income persons by securing the ongoing support and volunteer assistance from members of the private bar.

Gifts of appreciation for the 2001 Pro Bono Program were presented by Doug Hearn, MidPenn Attorney, on behalf of Michelle DeBord, Executive Director, and the Board of Directors. The following people were recognized for volunteering their time to low-income persons in Mifflin County: Stuart Cilo, Robert Ferguson, Patricia Gardner, Richard Mohler, Daniel Searer, Pete Searer, Stephen Snook and Christopher Torquato.

In addition, Stuart Cilo and Richard Mohler were honored for reaching milestones in their commitment to the Pro Bono Program. They have each provided 15 years of volunteer service.

MidPenn Legal Services is a private, non-profit Pennsylvania Corporation that provides legal assistance to the poor and to victims of domestic violence and focuses on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability.  In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly and education.  MidPenn serves residents of an eighteen county area in Central Pennsylvania through thirteen field offices.  Residents of Mifflin County receive services through the State College office. 

For more information about MidPenn Legal Services and the Pro Bono Program please call the State College office at (814) 238-4958.  Persons in need of legal representation may contact MidPenn Legal Services at 1-800-326-9177.

January 14, 2002

MidPenn Legal Services Honors
Local Volunteer Attorneys

Clearfield County Attorneys Aid County Residents

HARRISBURG and CLEARFIELD, Pennsylvania, January 14, 2002. -  On January 14, MidPenn Legal Services recognized and thanked Clearfield County attorneys who volunteered their services to MidPenn’s Pro Bono Project for 2001.

At the January 14, 2002 meeting of the Clearfield County Bar Association MidPenn Legal Services Clearfield Office Manager, Linda Lovett thanked nineteen members of the Clearfield County Bar for volunteering their services during 2001 to provide free legal representation to low income persons in Clearfield County. 

Gifts of appreciation for the 2001 Pro Bono Project were presented by Lovett, on behalf of the MidPenn Board of Directors, to the following members of the Clearfield County Bar Association for their dedication and continued commitment to MidPenn’s Pro Bono Project:  Joseph Colavecchi, Timothy Durant, Andrew Gates, R. Denning Gearhart, Barbara Hugney-Shope, Kim Kesner, Dwight Koerber, Kimberly Kubista, Richard H. Milgrub, Christopher Mohney, Thomas Morgan, James Naddeo, Frederick Neiswender, Chris Pentz, John Ryan, Laurance Seaman, John Sughrue, Mark Weaver, and Ann Wood. 

In addition, Joseph Colavecchi, Barbara Hugney-Shope, and Kim Kesner were honored for reaching milestones in their volunteer commitment to the Pro Bono Project. They have each provided 15 years of volunteer service.

MidPenn Legal Services is a private, non-profit Pennsylvania Corporation that provides legal assistance to the poor and to victims of domestic violence and focuses on those areas of the law that maintain and improve economic and family stability.  In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly and education.  MidPenn serves residents of an eighteen county area in Central Pennsylvania through thirteen field offices.  Residents of Clearfield County receive services through the Clearfield and State College offices. 

For more information about MidPenn Legal Services and the Pro Bono Project please call the State College office at (814) 238-4958.  Persons in need of legal representation may contact MidPenn Legal Services at 1-800-326-9177.

January 1, 2001

MidPenn Legal Services and Legal Services, Inc.
Announce Merger

Wider Service Area Covers 18 Counties

HARRISBURG and CARLISLE, Pennsylvania, January 19 – On January 1, 2001, MidPenn Legal Services and Legal Services, Inc. opened their doors for business as a new organization.

At the January 18, 2001 meeting of the MidPenn Legal Services Board of Directors, the merger of MidPenn Legal Services and Legal Services, Inc. was announced by MidPenn Board President, Kathy A. Morrow.  The merger, effective January 1, 2001, culminated months of planning by the two organizations.  In addition, Morrow announced that the newly reorganized MidPenn assumed responsibility for civil legal assistance work for Blair and Bedford counties under a federally funded grant from the Legal Services Corporation.

The combined non-profits, to be known jointly as MidPenn Legal Services, will serve eighteen
counties and become the largest organization providing free legal representation to 

low-income people in civil matters in central Pennsylvania.  Specializing in poverty-related 

issues, MidPenn’s attorneys and advocates have developed expertise in the region as 

poverty law specialists.

“The merger strengthens agencies with already high reputations for providing valuable service to its clients and communities,” said Morrow.  “It will allow the newly structured organization to operate more cost effectively and be an even more important player in the region.”

Executive Director Michelle DeBord said the merger of the two programs, with the addition of more resources, would boost the potential to develop more techniques to assist in the delivery of civil legal services to low-income clients.  “The new combination will provide access for clients to more advocates,” she said, “allowing attorneys and paralegals to bring their areas of expertise to work for all clients throughout the expanded service area.”

DeBord also said savings in efficiencies could be expected as a result of the merger.  “These moves will allow more resources to be devoted to client services,” she said, “and open the door wider to new ways to raise funds to meet the needs of low-income residents of the Commonwealth.”  Both agencies work closely with many prominent members of the bench, bar, and local community.

MidPenn Legal Services is a private, non-profit Pennsylvania corporation established on July 1, 2000 through the merger of Central Pennsylvania Legal Services (CPLS) and Keystone Legal Services (KLS).  The agency provides legal assistance to the poor and to victims of domestic violence and focuses those areas of the law that maintain or improve economic and family stability.  In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly, and education.

Legal Services, Inc. (LSI), founded in 1969, will bring forth the addition of Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and Fulton counties.  LSI was instrumental in establishing the domestic violence services program in 1990, and their work to stop domestic violence has always been among their program’s highest priorities.

DeBord said the merger would also allow the newly structured MidPenn to make better use of technology developments and provide greater access to clients in rural areas through improved information advisory systems and to clients with transportation problems. 

“MidPenn Legal Services aims to become a premier provider of legal services in civil matters to people who can least afford them and strengthen its role in helping bring about wider access to the justice system in all eighteen counties we serve,” she said.  

 July 11, 2000

Central Pennsylvania Legal Services and 
Keystone Legal Services Announce Merger

Wider Service Area Covers 12 Counties

HARRISBURG and STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania, July 5  -- Central Pennsylvania Legal Services and Keystone Legal Services, Inc., today opened their doors for business as a new organization.

The combined nonprofits, to be known as MidPenn Legal Services, will serve 12 counties and be the largest organization providing free legal representation to low-income people in civil matters in central Pennsylvania.

“We believe it’s in the best interest of both organizations to partner,” said Pamela A. Ruest, President of the Board of Directors of Keystone.  “The merger adds important strategic value and expertise to two outstanding organizations whose vision, values and history are very similar.”

“The merger strengthens agencies with already high reputations for providing valuable service to its clients and communities,” said Kate Morrow, President of the Board of Directors of CPLS. “It will allow the newly structured organization to operate more cost effectively and be an even more important player in the region.”

Executive Director Michelle DeBord said the merger of the two programs plus more resources would boost the potential to develop more techniques to assist in the delivery of civil legal services to low income clients.  “The new combination will provide access for clients to more advocates,” she said, “allowing attorneys and paralegals to bring their areas of expertise to work for all clients throughout the expanded service area.”

DeBord said improved administration and savings in efficiencies could be expected as a result of the merger.  “These moves will allow more resources to be devoted to client services,” she said, “and open the door wider to new ways to raise funds to meet the needs of low-income residents of the Commonwealth.” Both agencies work closely with many prominent members of the bench, bar and local community. 

Keystone Legal Services, Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation begun in 1974.  The agency provides legal services for civil cases involving consumer issues, family law, housing, benefits, employment, health and utilities. 

Central Pennsylvania Legal Services was established in 1969 as a nonprofit law firm for low income people.  The agency provides legal assistance to the poor and to victims of domestic violence and focuses on those areas of the law that maintain or improve economic and family stability.  In addition to domestic violence, areas of legal practice include issues on housing, public benefits, the family, consumers, the elderly and education.

DeBord said the merger would also allow the new nonprofit corporation to make better use of technology developments and provide greater access to clients in rural areas through improved information advisory systems and to clients with transportation problems.

“MidPenn Legal Services aims to become a premier provider of legal services in civil matters to people who can least afford them and strengthen its role in helping to bring about wider access to the justice system in all 12 counties we serve,” she said.

This page last updated June 18, 2008