June 8, 2020

Community Legal Aid Expanding Education-Related Legal Services in Western Massachusetts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Thomas Navin, Development Director
Phone: (413) 727-7115
Email: tnavin@cla-ma.org

Community Legal Aid is pleased to announce the expansion of its education law practice from Hampden and Worcester Counties to Berkshire, Franklin and Hampshire Counties.

Community Legal Aid is a non-profit legal services organization serving the low-income and elderly residents of Central and Western Massachusetts. The organization has been providing legal services to students with education-related legal needs since 2017. The statewide closure of public schools in mid-March due to COVID-19 and ensuing transition to remote learning have presented unprecedented challenges for students, especially those with special needs, and their families. In this time of confusion and stress for families concerned about their children’s rights, Community Legal Aid is eager to respond to the increased need for advocacy on their behalf.

Community Legal Aid is very appreciative of the generous funding provided by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Northern Berkshire County United Way, Berkshire United Way, Williamstown Community Chest and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, making this expansion possible. This funding will support the hiring of a new staff attorney to assist low-income families with issues related to their children’s education. Dahlia Romanow, a graduate of Smith College and New York University School of Law, has been hired to fill this new position. While in law school, Ms. Romanow worked in several internships advocating for special education students, tenants facing eviction, and other vulnerable clients.

Community Legal Aid’s attorneys are available to provide assistance with the myriad COVID-related and other education issues families will face now and in the future as schools reopen, including: accessing materials and information in the parent’s preferred language; accessing special education instruction, accommodations, and services for students who are struggling, whether or not they have been diagnosed with a disability; representing students in disciplinary proceedings (such as suspensions and expulsions) or other removals from learning time; combatting bullying; and fighting barriers to school enrollment (such as lack of necessary documentation).

If a young person between the ages of 3 and 22 is experiencing any difficulties related to their education and would like to apply for help, please call Community Legal Aid’s intake line at 855-CLA-LEGAL (855-252-5342) or apply online at https://communitylegal.org/get-help/.

About Community Legal Aid:

Community Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to the low-income and elderly residents of the five counties of Central and Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester), and maintains full-time offices in Worcester, Fitchburg, Springfield, Northampton, and Pittsfield. Community Legal Aid works to assure fairness for all in the justice system, protecting homes, livelihoods, health and families.

Our client communities continue to need our services and we are committed to meeting those needs. For more information on Community Legal Aid please visit www.communitylegal.org. Anyone wishing to apply for services is welcome to call our intake line at 855-CLA-LEGAL (855-252-5342) or apply online.