Posted March 20, 202412:10 pm
Success in school is a crucial building block for future success.
Legal Aid’s Access to Education program takes a multi-faceted approach. First, our education law practice removes barriers that keep children from excelling at school, protects the rights of students with disabilities, prevents expulsions for students, and helps families remain stable so kids can stay in school and thrive.
Additionally, Legal Aid is an important collaborator with Say Yes Cleveland, a partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). Say Yes Cleveland provides scholarships for CMSD graduates to continue their education after high school and comprehensive support services to help students and families navigate challenges.
Family Support Specialists (FSS) are the point of contact to connect families to these free services so that students can stay on track for success. Legal Aid is proud to partner with Say Yes Cleveland to provide free legal services.
Sarah Days, LSW, MSSA, is the Family Support Specialist at CMSD’s Campus International School. When asked about her experience working with Legal Aid, Sarah said, “Without fail, Legal Aid is the first organization to which I make referrals. It feels good to know that when Legal Aid gets involved, I am fully confident that my students and their families will be taken care of.”
Sarah went on to praise the partnership, saying “Every single person I have worked with at Legal Aid has been kind, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable. Without Legal Aid, I would often be at a loss when trying to help families navigate difficult situations. Legal Aid’s commitment to working with families in Cleveland is invaluable, and I will always turn to them when families are in need.”
Spread the word: share our Say Yes Legal Services info card: lasclev.org/SayYesLegalServices
Legal Aid paralegal Elias Najm (right).
Legal Aid’s Access to Education work is supported by Say Yes Cleveland, CareSource Foundation, the Frank Hadley Ginn and Cornelia Root Ginn Charitable Trust, the Callahan Foundation, The Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund, the Harry K. Fox and Emma R. Fox Charitable Foundation, and the Reakirt Foundation.
Originally published in Legal Aid's "Poetic Justice" newsletter, Volume 21, Issue 1 in Winter/Spring 2024. See full issue at this link: “Poetic Justice” Volume 21, Issue 1.