With the nation’s sixth-largest population of veterans, many of our nation’s heroes call the Buckeye State home. Ohio’s veterans can resolve civil legal challenges through legal aid to ensure access to safe housing, improved family stability, and increased financial security.
The access to justice community works together to help veterans access civil legal help and other resources. Two events on Nov. 21 will bring together stakeholders and veterans to further advance these efforts.
Lean Forward Veterans Summit
The Supreme Court of Ohio’s Lean Forward Initiative addresses the challenges facing justice-involved veterans. The initiative aims to educate judges and criminal justice stakeholders, develop community partnerships to address veterans’ needs, and sustain long-term educational opportunities to advance treatment and criminal justice programs available to veterans.
The 10th annual Lean Forward Veterans Summit in Columbus will bring together stakeholders such as courts, treatment providers, and other community partners from around the state with the mission to serve those who served. More information is available on the Supreme Court of Ohio’s website.
Veterans Wellness Program
While the Lean Forward Veterans Summit targets stakeholders serving veterans, a second event on Nov. 21 is designed specifically for those who have served our country. The free event, organized by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio and co-hosted by the Ohio Justice Bus and Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, will include a free educational program from 2-5 p.m. on topics that impact veterans, including family law, record sealing and expungement, and driver’s license reinstatements. Lawyers will be available from 5-7 p.m. to answer veterans’ legal questions. Pre-registration is available online or by calling (614) 715-8575.
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation is the largest funder of civil legal services in Ohio. A gift to the Foundation supports Ohio’s veterans.