LSC Selects Interim Provider in Wyoming

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC - The Legal Services Corporation has awarded a grant to an interim legal services provider in Wyoming to ensure the delivery of civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families across the state, LSC announced today.

LSC awarded month-to-month funding to Legal Aid of Wyoming Inc., doing business as Interim Legal Services Provider (ILSP).  Leda M. Pojman of Cheyenne, Wyo., serves as board chairman for the nonprofit legal aid organization and Raymond D. Macchia of Lander, Wyo., is the organization's executive director. The interim provider may be reached at this toll-free number, 1-877-432-9955.

Under the award, the interim provider will initially be responsible for existing cases that were handled by the former LSC-funded program, which relinquished its grant in October. For new cases, the interim provider will initially make referrals. LSC plans to hold a grant competition next year designed to select a full-service provider for comprehensive civil legal assistance in the state.

Earlier this week, the Wyoming State Bar announced that the Wyoming Supreme Court has established an Access to Justice Commission that will develop a long-term plan to provide civil legal services in the state.

"This ability to continue to provide civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families would not be possible without the support of the Wyoming State Bar, the Wyoming courts and others in the state.  LSC hopes to partner with the state bar, courts and others to ensure those eligible for legal services receive high-quality assistance," LSC President Helaine M. Barnett said.

LSC is the largest single source of funding for civil legal services in the nation, providing grants to 137 programs.  The nonprofit Corporation was created by Congress in 1974 to promote equal access to justice and to provide high-quality legal assistance to low-income persons.