HOW YOU CAN HELP

Martha

“LSGMI helped me resolve my IRS tax problem.”

Martha, a 54 year-old former nurse's assistant, filed her income tax return using a tax preparer. She received a large refund because, unknown to her, the tax preparer made false claims for credits to which she was not entitled. When she was audited, Martha was assessed with a tax debt plus interest and penalties of almost $4,000. Martha came to LSGMI for help when the IRS tried to garnish her wages to pay the debt. This was not a viable option for Martha, who earns less than $1,000 per month, and has three small children and a disabled adult son. LSGMI reduced her debt to only $150.

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Thank you to our 2009 supporters!

Because of YOU…
Elderly victims of fraud will get their homes back.
Low-wage workers will receive unemployment compensation.
Disabled children will receive healthcare and cash benefits.

Grantors
Circle of Support
Chesterfield Smith Society
Friends of Equal Justice
In-Kind Donors

Together, We Must

Click here to learn more about why Together, We Must!

Building for Tomorrow

With over 500,000 individuals and families and 40% of the children in our community living in poverty, free legal services have never been needed more. As poverty continues to escalate, LSGMI is positioned to play a prominent role in keeping the doors of justice open. We cannot rely on fluctuating government funding to meet our future needs, which is why private support remains critical. Join the fight for justice with your contribution.

Supporting the Mission

Individuals and law firms have joined our efforts by providing us with financial support through The Chesterfield Smith Society for Equal Justice. The Society was formed to continue the legacy of Chesterfield Smith, who passionately believed that every individual was entitled to legal representation before a court of law. Law firms and foundations also contribute through the Circle of Support, where donations are directed to specific projects that reflect the mission and interest of the contributors. We have proven to be excellent stewards of donated dollars with 95% of contributions going directly to client programs and services.

The federal Legal Services Corporation, the Florida Bar Foundation, and Miami-Dade County are our main funding sources, with additional funding coming from state, local and private grants. LSGMI also receives contributions from individual donors and the United Way Contributor Choice program. Contributions by attorneys also satisfy the Florida Bar pro bono requirement.

There are many ways to support LSGMI’s work. You can make a donation online or call our office at 305-438-2501 to learn more about other ways to support Equal Justice, including:

Lawyers can contribute $350 to satisfy the Florida Bar pro bono requirement
Lawyers can direct Cy Pres Funds (Class Action Residuals)
Matching Gifts through your employer
Gifts of Stock
Planned Giving
Volunteering