The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York is pleased to announce that the Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation recently awarded a generous grant of $21,200 in support of the organization's Building Renovation Project Campaign.

The grant awarded to the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York will be used for construction of a new roof and masonry repairs from water damage at the organization's longtime office, a former convent located at 30 Fayette Street in Binghamton.

"Although the grant will be used for construction costs, this grant award really helps to ensure access to justice for our local residents most in need of help," says Suzanne Reine, Esq., Managing Attorney of the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York's Binghamton Office.  "For thousands of low-income, disabled and elderly members of the community, justice means avoiding unlawful evictions, escaping violence and having access to food.  Often without legal assistance, justice is an empty phrase."

Started several months ago, the Building Renovation Project Campaign's goal is to raise a much needed $150,000 to make significant repairs and renovations to the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York's Binghamton Office.

Funded in part by the Legal Services Corporation and the United Way, the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York is a not-for-profit organization that provides free legal information, advice, and representation to people who cannot afford a lawyer for civil (non-criminal) legal problems.

The organization addresses legal issues including but not limited to family law, housing, consumer law, domestic violence, public benefits, access to healthcare, discrimination, and future planning.  In addition, the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York offers free access to interpreters for those with limited English proficiency and all phones have voice/TDD access for the hearing impaired.

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York serves Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego counties.  The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York also offers services to farm workers from across New York State.

To learn more about the Building Renovation Project Campaign or to contribute, contact Suzanne Reine, Esq. in the Binghamton Office at (607) 231-5905 or make checks payable to the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York and send them to 30 Fayette Street, Binghamton, NY 13901.

For more information about the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc., visit our website at www.lasmny.org