After more than 10 years in executive leadership roles, Alicia Johnson will step down as Executive Director of Legal Aid of Western Missouri on March 31, 2026. Johnson began her journey with Legal Aid 15 years ago as a staff attorney, later serving as managing attorney, deputy director, and, for the past four years, executive…
A huge thanks to everyone who joined us at our 2025 Party with a Purpose! It was a fun and festive night celebrating justice, community, and the people who make both possible! Highlights Included: A heartfelt toast from Dick Halliburton honoring longtime Legal Aid friend Steve Dees, who passed away earlier this year Defender of…
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out for our 3rd Annual Smarty Party! From SNL characters and Swifties to Skittles and Snow White, your S-themed style slayed! What a fun night with a brainy, generous crowd. And special shoutout to the Lathrop GPM team who won the tie-breaker and snagged those first-place trophies…
Danielle and her 10-year-old daughter, Macy, lived in fear. For years, Danielle’s partner and Macy’s father, Mike, controlled them through violence. When Danielle decided to leave, he trapped them in their home and attacked them. A neighbor called the police, who arrived and instructed Mike to spend the night elsewhere. When Mike left, he took…
Ronda was excited to start fresh with her new housing voucher, quickly securing a home for herself and her multiracial children. But the property manager’s attitude shifted when they saw her family. Shortly after, Ronda received a violation notice for her emotional support animal despite providing proper documentation. The manager dismissed her rights, saying, “We…
At 88 years old, Albert never imagined being forced from his home. He lived in a camper on his daughter Sheila’s property. One day, everything changed. In a fit of anger, Sheila threw his cane at him, leaving a bruise and breaking his watch. She then filed for an order of protection against him. Confused…
Ellen arrived at the Jackson County Courthouse feeling overwhelmed. A creditor was suing her for a debt she didn’t recognize, and she suspected her abusive ex-husband, Luis, had used her credit card without permission. Unsure how to defend herself, Ellen brought a police report documenting Luis’ abuse but didn’t know if it would help. Then,…
In early 2023, the Vineyard Neighborhood Association reached out to Legal Aid for help with a long-vacant, neglected property on E 39th Street. With multiple code violations and overdue property taxes, Legal Aid stepped in, filing a case under the Abandoned Housing Act to bring the home back to life. After gaining access in December…
The Oak Park neighborhood reached out to our Economic Development team for help with a vacant home on Prospect that had become a hotspot for squatters. Despite setbacks and the need for a new rehabber, a local rehabber stepped up and brought the property back to life. Their dedication and craftsmanship turned the neglected house into…
