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…
Notification of Data Security Incident [11 March 2025] On or around April 30, 2024, Legal Aid of Western Missouri (“Legal Aid”), became aware of unauthorized activity on their computer network and immediately began investigating with the assistance of third-party computer forensic specialists. The investigation determined that certain data was accessed by an unauthorized party between…
Have you ever thought about becoming a Legal Aid monthly donor? Now’s the perfect time to take the leap with our special Giving Tuesday offer! When you sign up to give monthly between now and midnight on Dec. 3, 2024, we’ll send you an official Legal Aid mug to show off your support! Giving Tuesday…
We had such a great time at our Birthday Party with a Purpose, and we’re so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate our 60 years of justice! A big shoutout to Erin Bartling, our Migrant Farmworkers Project Director, for receiving the prestigious Richard F. Halliburton Dedication to Legal Services Award! And congrats…
Legal Aid of Western Missouri held their Birthday Party with a Purpose on October 17th at the Boulevard Brewing Company. More than 120 supporters, community leaders, staff members, and volunteer attorneys gathered to celebrate six decades of providing legal services to vulnterable individuals with low incomes. For the past 60 years, Legal Aid has been…
