‌
November 2019 Newsletter
#GivingTuesday is just 2 weeks away! Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that falls on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

When you support ALSC on Giving Tuesday, you give the gift of justice to Alaskans who are trying to secure safety, health and housing for themselves and their families. Together, we can create real change in our community!

This year, we are so thankful that CIRI has once again stepped up to match every dollar donated to ALSC on Tuesday, December 3, for up to $15,000! Thank you CIRI!!!
To gear up for the big day, ALSC is collecting photos ( template available here ) that show why ALSC supporters and volunteers invest in access to justice (check out some great examples from last year below!). You can email your photo to [email protected]  and we will post it on our  Facebook  page leading up to Giving Tuesday!
ALSC awarded Technology Initiative Grant
Last month, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced that it is awarding Technology Initiative Grants (TIG) to 30 legal services organizations across the nation, including Alaska Legal Services Corporation. The TIG program funds technology projects that provide greater access to high-quality legal assistance and information for low-income Americans.

“LSC’s Technology Initiative Grants increase access to justice for low-income people with critical civil legal needs,” said LSC President Jim Sandman. “These technology projects improve the delivery of legal services and information to the millions of Americans who would otherwise have to navigate the legal system alone.”
Legal Clinics and Opportunities:

Legal Clinic for Veterans - Anchorage

ALSC and the Alaska Department of Veterans Affairs offer a free legal clinic on a variety of civil legal needs at the VA offices in Anchorage for veterans once a month. Advance registration and income eligibility screening is required. To sign up, please call ALSC at 907-222-4501. The final clinic of the year will be on Thursday, December 6.

Free Bankruptcy Legal Clinic - Juneau

ALSC is offering a free Bankruptcy Clinic on Tuesday December 10, 2019, at the Mendenhall Valley Library Conference Room at 6pm.

Attendees will:
  • Learn what Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can and cannot do.
  • Learn about their rights.
  • Obtain information and access to forms.

In January 2020, there will be a follow up clinic, date is to be determined.

Landlord/Tenant Helpline - Statewide

ALSC offers a biweekly Landlord/Tenant Helpline every Tuesday and Thursday. The helpline is hosted by a pro bono attorney who assists callers with their housing issues. The call-in information is:

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Anchorage callers: 907-743-1000
Statewide Toll-Free callers: 1-855-743-1001
 
Landlord/Tenant Legal Clinic - Anchorage

ALSC offers a free landlord/tenant legal clinic at the Fairview Community Recreation Center every month on the first Wednesday from 6-8pm. The clinic answers question about the Alaska Landlord Tenant Act and provides information about rights and obligations for landlords and tenants.
Volunteer
of the Month
Our November Volunteer of the Month is Chelsea Ray Riekkola! Chelsea is a lifelong Alaskan who volunteers with ALSC through the Attorney of the Day program, by taking on full pro bono cases, and providing wills clinics in the community. We truly value the enthusiasm, knowledge, and compassion she brings to ALSC's clients and the community through her service! Read on for our full interview with Chelsea below:

Why did you choose to volunteer with ALSC?

It is important to me that I give back to the community that supported me on my journey toward the practice of law. I am a lifelong Alaskan, and am grateful for all of the opportunities I received growing up here, as well as in my professional life. I would like to pay that forward.

What are some of your experiences at ALSC that have made a positive difference in the lives of others and/or the community?

My most memorable experiences have been working with ALSC clients who have received terminal diagnoses to get their estate planning in place. It is very rewarding to be able to assist folks with getting their affairs in order at the time when they need it the most.

How do you think your experiences with ALSC will benefit you in the future?

Staying connected with ALSC and providing important services that are truly needed by a segment of the population that may not be able to afford them will help me stay grounded and connected to the community. I get to meet interesting people and be a part of their lives, helping them solve some of life’s most complicated problems.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I enjoy running in my free time, and one of my favorite events is the annual Race Judicata to support Anchorage Youth Court. I love that we can support our community and get a workout at the same time! And I am always impressed by the number of practitioners that turn out for that event.
Give While You Shop

Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program

You can help ALSC earn donations just by doing your regular grocery shopping! Sign up by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to ALSC on the   Community Rewards website .

AmazonSmile

When you shop at smile.amazon.com , you’ll find the exact same prices, selection and shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate .5% of the purchase price to your favorite non-profit.

Bagoy's Florist

Thanks to the Bagoy's Helping Hands program , $2 of every flower arrangement bought through Bagoy's website can be donated to the charity of your choice by selecting it from the Helping Hands menu on the order page.