Attorney General Announces Grant to Provide Free Legal Help for Older Ohioans
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June 15, 2016
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By Mary Day
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Attorney General DeWine Announces Grant to Provide Free Legal Help for Older Ohioans
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a $738,000 grant to support a statewide project of Pro Seniors and Ohio’s legal aids to provide free legal assistance to older Ohioans.
The funding will support a telephone-based legal hotline and direct civil legal guidance and assistance to Ohioans age 60 and older.
Pro Seniors, as the lead organization and coordinator, will receive referrals from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. In partnership with Ohio’s legal aids, they will provide legal assistance to seniors, their family members, and individuals concerned about the health, financial stability, safety, and security of seniors.
“Our goal is to protect older Ohioans and to help improve their quality of life,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Having access to legal information and advice can help an older adult live a more independent, financially secure life. It also can help identify problems requiring greater assistance. This grant will help Pro Seniors and the legal aids continue to serve Ohioans and allow more people to receive their help.”
“We thank Attorney General DeWine for taking this important step to protect Ohio’s seniors,” said Angela M. Lloyd, executive director for the Columbus-based, Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation. “The Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation, Pro Seniors, and Ohio’s legal aids are excited to partner with Attorney General DeWine in this effort to protect the safety and security of Ohio’s seniors.”
“We are eager to partner with the Attorney General’s office, who is a valued resource for seniors across the state. Our excellent hotline attorneys handle a range of topics, from Medicare to financial exploitation, and this will help connect us to more seniors who need access to justice,” said Rhonda Moore, executive director of Pro Seniors.
A total of $738,802 will be awarded over a two-year period to the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation, which will distribute the funds to Pro Seniors and Ohio’s legal aids.
Through the program, individuals receive specialized assistance tailored to their needs and circumstances. Assistance can range from legal information, advice and counsel, brief service, or extended legal representation.
The grant is part of the Ohio Attorney General’s Elder Justice Initiative. Attorney General DeWine created the Elder Justice Initiative in 2014 to enhance elder abuse victims’ access to services and to assist in elder abuse cases. Money for the grant comes from Attorney General settlement funds, not taxpayer dollars.
Today’s announcement coincides with Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, 2016, which raises awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Those who want to learn more or seek assistance should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515.
