Foundation grants support public legal education projects from
health care to family law issues to teen courts and law-related
education programs
March 18, 2008 – The Wisconsin Law Foundation (WLF)
awarded $20,000 in grants to Wisconsin programs during fiscal year 2008
- 09.
“The Wisconsin Law Foundation is proud to bestow grants to
these programs, which truly epitomize the basis upon which the
foundation is built – to promote the public’s understanding
of the law and to improve the administration of justice,” says
Grants Committee Chair Mark A. Pennow. “We commend these
organizations for their efforts.”
Grants were awarded to:
ABC For Health,
$1,475, to support the Health Insurance Advocacy: A Legal Education
Project, which assists Wisconsin families confused by their health
insurance or managed care plan. ABC For Health serves Wisconsin families
and children, especially those with special needs, with health care
financing issues.
Centro
Legal $2,000, to support its new Family Law Outreach Project,
which offers free presentations and handouts on common family law issues
to the Spanish-speaking community. Centro Legal provides affordable
legal representation in family law and criminal misdemeanor defense to
low-income Milwaukee families so they may maintain stable families and
remain employed in the face of legal difficulties.
Pepin Buffalo Teen Court, $1,916, to support this eight-year
old program which serves to modify behavior of youthful, first-time
offenders by combining positive peer pressure and involvement with
families, schools, and religious organizations and promoting youth
development and restorative justice.
State Bar Law-related
Education Programs, $14,609, to support the High School
Mock Trial Tournament, the Judicial Teacher Training Institute, and
printing costs for On Being 18. The statewide mock trial program
familiarizes students with the American legal system through
participation in a trial simulation as lawyers and witnesses. The
Judicial Teacher Training Institute is a professional development
program for public and private school secondary social studies teacher.
The program provides the newest tools to teach students about the
judicial system in Wisconsin and outlines the role of Wisconsin courts.
On Being 18 is a booklet that informs 18-year olds of their legal
rights and responsibilities and helps them avoid possible legal
problems.
The WLF is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and all gifts are tax
deductible to the extent provided by the law. The foundation is open to
all State Bar members. Membership begins with a $50 donation.
For more information or to join, visit www.wisbar.org/wlf or
contact Laura Emerson at lemerson@wisbar.org or (800) 444-9404, ext
6015, or (608) 250- 6015.
