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News Release
Texas Access to Justice Foundation
AUSTIN, Texas –
The Texas Access to Justice Foundation
(TAJF) awarded grants to four legal aid organizations in honor of renowned
author
John Grisham and the organization’s 35th anniversary. Grisham
recently served as the keynote speaker of the Foundation’s Anniversary
Dinner and generously donated his time and service on behalf of those in
need of legal aid.
As a result of the
generosity of lawyers, law firms, corporations and other partners,
the TAJF is providing a $75,000 grant each to: Legal Aid of Northwest
Texas, Lone Star Legal Aid, South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Project (ProBAR),
and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid in Grisham’s honor. These grants will provide
basic civil legal services to those in need in Texas.
“Speaking from
personal experience John Grisham passionately recounted how having the help
of a lawyer makes the vital difference for those struggling with legal
challenges,” said Richard L. Tate, chair, TAJF Board of Directors. “We thank
him for bringing this message to our 35th Anniversary celebration
and for his work to encourage others to make a difference.”
Attendees of the Anniversary Dinner received copies of the latest
bestseller, “The Guardians,” autographed by Grisham. Grisham serves on tthe Leaders
Council of the Legal Services Corporation, an independent nonprofit
established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal
aid to low-income Americans.
“The Supreme Court
of Texas congratulates the Texas Access to Justice Foundation on its 35th
anniversary and on the important work it does to serve disadvantaged Texans
in need of civil legal services,” said Justice Eva Guzman, Access to Justice
Liaison of the Court. “We also acknowledge John Grisham’s generosity of
spirit and time in our efforts to ensure justice for all.” Since its creation, the Texas Access to Justice Foundation has awarded nearly $770 million to legal aid organizations across Texas. With support from TAJF grants, nonprofit organizations throughout the state provide free or low-cost legal services for veterans, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.
The Texas Access to
Justice Foundation (www.teajf.org), created by the Supreme Court of
Texas in 1984, is the leading state-based funding source for the provision
of civil legal aid in Texas. The organization is committed to the vision
that all Texans will have equal access to justice, regardless of their
income. The Foundation administers a variety of funding sources, which are
earmarked to assist nonprofit organizations in providing legal aid to
more than 150,000 Texas families each year.
Contact: Kimberly Schmitt512-320-0099, ext. 104 kschmitt@teajf.org
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