Our hearts were touched as our Lafayette Family Law team participated in the Chez Hope Annual Vigil. We honored and remembered the victims of domestic violence, and stood with Chez Hope, a women's shelter that provides a safe haven for those in need. ALSC is proud to step in and offer legal assistance to those facing this difficult situation.

Sandra's Story

Sandra, a mother of four minor children, faced an eviction notice from her Section 8 apartment complex despite being a recipient of parish rental assistance funds. The apartment complex claimed non-payment of rent for several months, even though Sandra had records showing the parish assistance funds had been applied. This complex had a history of targeting tenants in similar situations.

With the help of an ALSC attorney and caseworker, Sandra worked closely with HUD and the parish rental assistance program to gather the necessary documents and guidance to challenge the eviction. Their combined efforts led to the dismissal of the eviction case, allowing Sandra and her family to stay in their home. 

*Clients name changed to protect identity

Each year the Lafayette Bar Association holds their annual Hall of Fame Gala. This event inducts Lafayette attorneys into the Hall of Fame for their contributions to the legal field. Pictured is ALSC's Family Law Managing Attorney, Vandana Chaturvedi, along with Maggie Simar, Hearing Officer for the 16th JDC. Vandana and Maggie served on the 2024's selection committee. 

ALSC took the opportunity to partner directly with FEMA Region 6 by deploying the Justice Bus to St. Mary parish in the aftermath of Hurricane Francine, starting September 23, 2024 - November 7, 2024. Our mission is to empower disaster survivors through education and preparation. 

 Hurricane Francine left homes damaged by sustained winds and flooding, leaving survivors without the funds needed for essential repairs or alternative shelter options. Many lost vital identification documents, making it impossible to prove ownership of their homes and begin the FEMA assistance process. A handful of survivors still had unresolved legal issues stemming from Hurricane Ida, a category 4 hurricane that struck Louisiana on August 29, 2021. 

By deploying our mobile unit, The Justice Bus, access to legal services kick-started a case study to show the effectiveness of addressing the justice gap in rural communities. ALSC executed successions, last wills & testaments, replaced identification documents, and processed insurance claims. Onsite mediation with FEMA and RestoreLA was instant and the timeline to reach a solution was cut significantly. We provided referrals for housing resources, and community agencies assisting with repairs and food, and directed accessibility to assist with unmet legal needs unrelated to disasters. 

For 41 days, approximately 1,750 survivors attended the FEMA DRC in Morgan City. Our disaster unit was onsite with a paralegal and attorney weekly. We provided education and support to 43 total survivors with 27 applications taken that led to 27 total cases. Survivors expressed they had a greater sense of hope concerning the circumstances that confronted them from having legal services available to assist them. The ability to obtain legal services in times of crisis has been invaluable to disaster survivors in St. Mary parish. Offering counsel, comfort, and care during perilous times of uncertainty proved beneficial to survivors, FEMA, and ALSC.

As part of ALSC's Pro Bono Bridge the Gap initiative, we hosted expungement clinics in Northwest Louisiana, including a standout event in Natchitoches. In collaboration with Goodwill and other partners, the clinic served over 30 attendees and accepted 29 cases for legal representation.

Our early marketing efforts allowed pre-registrations, enabling us to assess eligibility and begin legal assistance before the event. This proactive approach helped clients gather critical information to navigate the lengthy expungement process or receive referrals for additional needs.

The event turnout exceeded expectations, and we are continuing to process cases well into the new year. A significant benefit of these expungement events is that participants avoid the prohibitive costs of filing and processing an expungement, making these services accessible to those who need them most. ALSC is scheduled to continue Expungement events in March 2025

Our company retreat, themed "Mission: Exceptional Legal Service – Driven by Values, United by Teamwork," was a dynamic and inspiring event focused on strengthening our dedication to our mission and core values. Through engaging presenters, team-building activities, and collaborative discussions, we reinforced our commitment to respect, compassion, innovation, responsibility, and integrity in providing exceptional civil legal services to our clients. Interactive team exercises encouraged collaboration and problem-solving, reinforcing the importance of working together to achieve justice for our community.

The Honorable Judge Davidson, former judge of 9th JDC, motivated and encouraged staff. A panel discussion by Greg Landry, former Executive Director, and Sharon Jones, former Administrative Director, was a source of reflection and inspiration to continue our work. The retreat also provided opportunities for colleagues to connect in a relaxed setting, deepening relationships and reinforcing a culture of support and shared purpose. Our tagline, "Advocating for Justice – Together, we thrive, with values that drive us to advocate for justice!" resonated throughout the event, reminding us of our collective commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve. By the end of the retreat, participants departed with renewed motivation, practical insights, a stronger sense of unity, and ready to advance our mission with passion and purpose.

HUD has renewed the Eviction Protection Program grant to continue to serve those with a need to help avoid evictions, know eviction rights and more.

FHLBank and Red Riverbank Heirs Property program grant allows collaboration with Lafayette Habitat for Humanity to provide legal services, educational resources, and trainings or clinics to address title clearing issues and individual may face. 

Each year ALSC participates in the Steel Magnolias of Louisiana's Sock Drive that benefits local children, homeless and elderly individuals in Acadiana. To learn more about Steel Magnolias, visit www.steelmagnoliasofla.org. 

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) works to provide free legal services to our marginalized client community in civil matters for over 65% of the total parishes in Louisiana. Our mission is to provide exceptional civil legal services by advocating for fairness, protection, and justice and our vision for the State, is for these services to be easy and timely accessible. Local organizations and individuals like you make ALSC's work possible. Contribute to the fight for justice by making a tax-deductible gift today.