Lead free homes: Protecting children from a lifetime of consequences
by Andrew Neuhauser, managing attorney It’s been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That is certainly the case when it comes to lead poisoning. In Ohio last year, almost 3000 children under the age of 6 had a c...
Work requirements for benefits
The impact on older Americans By Michelle Wrona Fox, managing attorney, and Terri Underwood, paralegal advocate As National Older Americans month continues, we are exploring a topic that could disproportionately impact Americans as we age ...
Protecting the aging population
An interview with Sylvia Pla-Raith, Director, Elder Justice Unit, Consumer Protection Section, Ohio Attorney General’s Office May is National Older Americans Month. In this Big Ideas, we are honored to share some thoughts from Sylvia Pla-Rait...
Staying well to serve others
By Takenya Lindsey, paralegal and Daniel Yozwiak, staff attorney Takenya Lindsey and Daniel Yozwiak are valued members of the Community Legal Aid team. Takenya has been with the organization for almost 16 years as a legal assistant and then ...
A fresh start for returning citizens
How changes in the law will help re-entry community By Andrea Burton, Managing Attorney, and Josh Hinkel, Staff Attorney Recent changes in state law are good news for Ohioans working to successfully reenter society after interacting with ...
Hidden Fees Exacerbate Eviction Crisis
by Patricia Dougan, staff attorney In a March 7, 2023 letter to those in the housing industry, Marcia Fudge, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said this: “I believe that every renter should know the true costs ...
When home is spelled H-O-T-E-L
By Sister Jean Orsuto, Director, Emmanuel Community Care Center Living without a home is something few readers have experienced. In fact, it’s hard to even imagine what that really looks and feels like. The daily realities - the struggle to f...
The "Scarlet E" - Overcoming an Eviction Record
by Andrew Neuhauser, managing attorney In 2014, Maggie’s* landlord filed an eviction against her and her ex-boyfriend because the landlord thought they did not pay $300 in rent. In reality, Maggie was a victim of domestic violence who was fl...
Ohio’s Shared Parenting Bill: A catalyst for conversation
by Darci Jay and Michael Watson, staff attorneys and John Petit, managing attorney The courts handle few matters more sacred than child custody. Who makes major decisions for a child around religion and medical care? Where does a child live a...
The court debt spiral
John Petit, managing attorney and Josh Hinkel, staff attorney This month in Big Ideas, we’ve considered several common types of debt and the ways they can impact low-income Americans. Student loan debt, credit card debt, nursing home debt - m...