2024-06-28T13:59:33-05:00 2023-12-31 202153727 SB & COMPANY 10200 GRAND CENTRAL AVE SUITE 250 OWINGS MILLS MD 21117 990 2023-01-01 520591621 LEGAL AID BUREAU INC LEGA 4109517777 500 EAST LEXINGTON STREET BALTIMORE MD 212023559 VICTORIA SCHULTZ ESQ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 4109517777 2024-06-28 1 VICTORIA SCHULTZ ESQ XXX-XX-XXXX 0 TIANA WYNN P00997288 4105840060 2 AAL1 IAL1 2023 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z MARYLAND LEGAL AID VICTORIA SCHULTZ ESQ 500 EAST LEXINGTON STREET BALTIMORE MD 212023559 35587700 0 X WWW.MDLAB.ORG X 1929 MD TO PROVIDE FREE CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS. 16 16 470 214 0 0 35610294 34303369 0 305 -152288 1141867 49504 142159 35507510 35587700 8337 7859 0 0 25371834 32616500 0 0 290186 5939483 11752178 31319654 44376537 4187856 -8788837 47217398 39377357 12502117 13450913 34715281 25926444 THE MISSION OF LEGAL AID BUREAU, INC., D.B.A. MARYLAND LEGAL AID, IS TO PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY LEGAL SERVICES TO MARYLAND'S POOR THROUGH A MIX OF SERVICES AND TO BRING ABOUT THE CHANGES THAT POOR PEOPLE WANT IN THE SYSTEMS THAT AFFECT THEM. 0 0 38384346 7859 142464 LEGAL SERVICES. SEE SCHEDULE O. 38384346 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 83 0 1 470 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 16 16 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 MD X THE ORGANIZATION 4109517777 500 EAST LEXINGTON STREET BALTIMORE MD 212023559 WARREN S OLIVERI PRESIDENT (TERM END 6/30/2023) 4.00 X X 0 0 0 BRIAN P HOCHHEIMER PRESIDENT (EFF. 7/1/2023) 4.00 X X 0 0 0 ORA JOHNSON VICE PRESIDENT 4.00 X X 0 0 0 RICHARD L WASSERMAN TREASURER 4.00 X X 0 0 0 MARQUITA WISE-JONES SECRETARY 4.00 X X 0 0 0 EMERSON L DORSEY JR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER AT LARGE (EFF 7/1/2023) 4.00 X 0 0 0 JESSICA A DUHOFFMANN BOARD MEMBER 4.00 X 0 0 0 MANNY GERALDO BOARD MEMBER 0.50 X 0 0 0 PHYLLIS BUTLER BOARD MEMBER (TERM END 9/27/2023) 0.50 X 0 0 0 GWENDOLYN A JOHNSON BOARD MEMBER (TERM END 9/27/2023) 0.50 X 0 0 0 DONALD T HOWE BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 ASHLEY M GREEN BOARD MEMBER 0.50 X 0 0 0 LAUREN HC LACEY BOARD MEMBER 4.00 X 0 0 0 LORENZO A BIVANS JR BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 DOUGLAS BREGMAN BOARD MEMBER (TERM END 6/30/2023) 0.50 X 0 0 0 GUY FLYNN BOARD MEMBER (TERM END 6/30/2023) 0.50 X 0 0 0 NEIL DUKE BOARD MEMBER (TERM END 6/30/2023) 0.50 X 0 0 0 CHARLES MORTON BOARD MEMBER (EFF. 7/1/2023) 0.50 X 0 0 0 BRANDYN HICKS BOARD MEMBER (EFF. 7/1/2023) 0.50 X 0 0 0 ANASTASIA WATSON SMITH BOARD MEMBER (EFF. 7/1/2023) 2.00 X 0 0 0 CHELSEA ORTEGA BOARD MEMBER (EFF. 7/1/2023) 0.50 X 0 0 0 RICHARD ADAMS BOARD MEMBER (EFF. 7/1/2023) 0.50 X 0 0 0 VICTORIA H SHULTZ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 40.00 X 205604 0 27576 KRISTI SCHULENBERG CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 40.00 X 169037 0 24504 SOMIL TRIVEDI CHIEF LEGAL AND ADVOCACY 40.00 X 189340 0 10148 MITRA GHAHARMANLOU CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (RESIGN 9/30/2023) 40.00 X 162463 0 16450 PRIYA SARATHY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (EFF. 9/11/2023) 40.00 X 60168 0 2297 JESSICA SYSAK CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER 40.00 X 147174 0 16540 CORNELIA GORDON DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY FOR ADMINISTRATION LAW 40.00 X 126356 0 17579 GREGORY COUNTESS DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY - HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOP 40.00 X 130803 0 11048 GRAHAM COWGER DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 40.00 X 105941 0 26256 ERICA LEMON DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS 40.00 X 125294 0 6937 1422180 0 159335 9 0 1 0 WINDSTREAM ENTERP PO BOX 9001013 LOUISVILLE KY 40290 COMMUNICATION SERVICES 395980 ASHORE RESORT AND BEACH CLUB OCMD HOTEL OWNER LLC 10100 COASTAL OCEAN CITY MD 21842 MLA STAFF AND BOARD RETREAT HOST 194038 2 33205628 1097741 34303369 ATTORNEYS FEES 541100 305 305 305 1141867 1141867 APS CONTRACT 900099 82340 82340 LEXIS NEXIS 900099 27706 27706 RENTAL INCOME 900099 20514 20514 11599 11599 142159 35587700 142464 0 1141867 7859 7859 627929 584007 43922 24922085 22105725 2662782 153578 1468760 1281248 179398 8114 3575950 3119420 436775 19755 2021776 1763663 246944 11169 22485 22485 90420 75838 13919 663 1337193 818958 515420 2815 798283 677704 114985 5594 100330 65109 34553 668 1906435 1716875 181583 7977 182382 163448 18860 74 368857 300677 65351 2829 99889 86767 12526 596 RETURN OF FUNDS TO MLSC 5367168 5367168 OTHER 688738 105550 559322 23866 EQUIPMENT RENTAL/REPAIR 442006 315203 121055 5748 LIBRARY & DUES 229119 219029 10074 16 118873 171620 -55549 2802 44376537 38384346 5702005 290186 3450055 5614669 8028 2549 12074779 4730158 112979 185725 234530 250779 11376227 7432840 3470067 3943387 19592928 17632536 8274032 7017554 47217398 39377357 2719468 3223143 1264531 2879712 8028 2549 8510090 7345509 12502117 13450913 X 21385795 24309186 13329486 1617258 34715281 25926444 47217398 39377357 -8788837 0 X X 0 1 X 1 1 1 X 29471470 25319333 35166861 35498294 34303369 159759327 29471470 25319333 35166861 35498294 34303369 159759327 159759327 315175 175765 63478 -152288 1141867 1543997 69975 166562 239386 63579 142464 681966 161985290 0.98630 0.98960 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 85009 85009 44291528 44376537 1000000 250000 0 0 1000000 1000000 1000000 1000000 4000000 6000000 87917 75832 71562 85009 320320 250000 250000 250000 250000 1000000 1500000 PART II-A, LINE 2(C), TOTAL LOBBYING EXPENDITURES: MARYLAND LEGAL AID (MLA) AND ITS SUBSIDIARY, MARYLAND CENTER FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE, LLC (MCLA), ENGAGE THE SERVICES OF LAW FIRMS TO PROVIDE LEGISLATIVE LIAISON AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTACTING AND COMMUNICATING WITH STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND MEMBERS OF STATE AND LOCAL LEGISLATIVE BODIES AND COMMITTEES REGARDING FUNDING SOURCES FOR MLA AND MCLA. THESE SERVICES INCLUDE COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING PENDING AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION AFFECTING CURRENT AND POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES. IN ADDITION, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVES AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF MLA AND MCLA MAY ON OCCASION HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH LEGISLATORS, LEGISLATIVE STAFFS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS REGARDING POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING LEGISLATION AFFECTING EXISTING MLA AND MCLA FUNDING SOURCES. A PORTION OF THESE EMPLOYEES' SALARY AND BENEFIT COSTS ARE ALLOCATED TO LOBBYING EXPENDITURES WHEN THESE EFFORTS OCCUR. 0 1 X 292614 13225 305839 264864 25000 2750 292614 261505 3359 264864 257000 4505 261505 7000 250000 257000 0.92000 0.08000 0 0 630000 630000 8754817 6468363 2286454 664292 284534 379758 1035417 679943 355474 291701 291701 3943387 U.S. TREASURY NOTES 16846061 F CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT 496747 F CASH EQUIVALENTS 263284 F COMMINGLED/POOLED FUNDS 26444 F 17632536 LEASE DEPOSITS 45299 RIGHT TO USE ASSETS 6972255 7017554 LEASE LIABILITIES 7345509 7345509 X 35587700 0 35587700 0 35587700 39009369 0 39009369 5367168 5367168 44376537 PART IV, LINE 2B: THE LIABILITY IS RELATED TO THE FUNDS HELD IN AN ATTORNEYS' TRUST ACCOUNT. PART X, LINE 2: MARYLAND LEGAL AID IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (CODE) AND, THEREFORE, NO PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES HAS BEEN PROVIDED IN THE ACCOMPANYING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. IN ADDITION, MARYLAND LEGAL AID IS CLASSIFIED AS A PUBLIC CHARITY UNDER SECTION 509(A) OF THE CODE. MARYLAND LEGAL AID ACCOUNTS FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES RECOGNIZED IN ITS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS USING A THRESHOLD OF "MORE LIKELY THAN NOT" FOR RECOGNITION OF TAX POSITIONS TAKEN OR EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN IN A TAX RETURN. MARYLAND LEGAL AID PERFORMED AN EVALUATION OF UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WERE NO MATTERS THAT WOULD REQUIRE RECOGNITION IN THE ACCOMPANYING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OR WHICH MAY HAVE ANY EFFECT ON ITS TAX-EXEMPT STATUS. THE STATUTE OF LIMITATION FOR TAX YEARS 2020 THROUGH 2023, REMAINS OPEN WITH THE U.S. FEDERAL JURISDICTION OR THE VARIOUS STATES AND LOCAL JURISDICTIONS IN WHICH MARYLAND LEGAL AID FILES TAX RETURNS. IT IS MARYLAND LEGAL AID'S POLICY TO RECOGNIZE PENALTIES RELATED TO UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS, IF ANY, IN INCOME TAX EXPENSE. MARYLAND LEGAL AID SPONSORS A DEFINED CONTRIBUTION 401(K) PLAN WHICH PROVIDES FOR EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MARYLAND LEGAL AID AND VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS BY EMPLOYEES. PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: MLSC REFUND OF PRIOR YEAR UNSPENT FUNDS 1 WOMEN'S LAW CENTER OF MARYLAND INC 305 W CHESAPEAKE AVENUE SUITE 201 TOWSON MD 21204 521238912 501(C)(3) 7859 0 FMV LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PART I, LINE 2: GRANTEES' INVOICES ARE REVIEWED PRIOR TO APPROVAL AND PAYMENT FOR VERIFICATION OF SERVICES RENDERED AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE GRANT CONTRACT PROVISIONS. IN ADDITION, SOME GRANTEES ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE QUARTERLY DEMOGRAPHIC DATA REPORTS. X 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 VICTORIA H SHULTZ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 205604 0 0 0 0 0 11550 0 16026 0 233180 0 0 0 SOMIL TRIVEDI CHIEF LEGAL AND ADVOCACY 189340 0 0 0 0 0 9500 0 648 0 199488 0 0 0 KRISTI SCHULENBERG CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 169037 0 0 0 0 0 8750 0 15754 0 193541 0 0 0 MITRA GHAHARMANLOU CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (RESIGN 9/30 132463 0 30000 0 0 0 9870 0 6580 0 178913 0 0 0 JESSICA SYSAK CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER 147174 0 0 0 0 0 7500 0 9040 0 163714 0 0 0 FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 4 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PASSED AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS IN DECEMBER 2023. THE REVISED BYLAWS ESTABLISH 3-YEAR TERMS FOR ALL BOARD MEMBERS INCLUDING CLIENT ADVOCATE BOARD MEMBERS WHO HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY HAD TERMS. THE NEW BYLAWS CREATE TERM LIMITS AND ALL BOARD MEMBERS WERE PLACED INTO 3 GROUPS ACCORDING TO THEIR TERM EXPIRATION TO ESTABLISH A ROTATING BOARD. UNDER THE CURRENT BYLAWS A BOARD MEMBER CAN SERVE A MAXIMUM OF THREE 3-YEAR TERMS, WITH A PROVISION FOR A 4TH TERM FOR CLIENT ADVOCATE BOARD MEMBERS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE FULL BOARD AND WITH THEIR APPROVAL. IN ADDITION, THE BYLAWS REFINED ITS STANDING COMMITTEE STRUCTURE TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES: FINANCE, GOVERNANCE, NOMINATIONS, STRATEGIC PLANNING AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B THE FORM 990 IS REVIEWED IN DETAIL BY MANAGEMENT AND THEN MANAGEMENT REVIEWS THE RETURN WITH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. ONCE APPROVED BY MANAGEMENT AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE FORM 990 IS DISTRIBUTED TO THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHERE THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THE RETURN WITH MANAGEMENT AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE BEFORE THE RETURN IS FILED. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C ANNUALLY, EACH OFFICER, DIRECTOR, OR MEMBER OF A COMMITTEE WITH GOVERNING BOARD DELEGATED POWERS IS REQUIRED TO SIGN A STATEMENT WHICH AFFIRMS SUCH PERSON HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY, HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE POLICY, AND HAS AGREED TO COMPLY WITH THE POLICY. DETERMINATIONS OF WHETHER A CONFLICT EXISTS, AND APPROPRIATE RESOLUTION OF THOSE CONFLICTS, IS MADE EITHER BY THE GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR BY A COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. NO PERSON DETERMINED TO HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST IS ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DELIBERATIONS OR DECISION REGARDING RESOLUTION OF THAT CONFLICT OR THE APPROVAL OF TRANSACTIONS RELATED TO IT. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 THE POLICY WITH RESPECT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COMPENSATION IS AS FOLLOWS: WITH ITS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHO JOINED IN JUNE, 2022, THE BOARD REVIEWED HER PERFORMANCE AT ITS MEETING IN DECEMBER, 2023. THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT SURVEY THAT WAS DONE BY A 3RD PARTY CONSULTANT, THE SITE VISIT REVIEW BY LSC IN THE SUMMER OF 2023, ITS OWN OBSERVATIONS AND PARTICIPATION IN THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS AND ALL-STAFF AND BOARD RETREAT, AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REGULAR REPORTS ON PROGRESS REGARDING THE ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS. GOING FORWARD, THE BOARD'S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WILL EVALUATE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR 2024 AND WILL REPORT ITS CONCLUSIONS, INCLUDING ANY SALARY ADJUSTMENTS, TO THE ENTIRE BOARD FOR THEIR APPROVAL. THE BOARD IS NOW CONSIDERING CHANGING THE TIMING FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S EVALUATION FROM DECEMBER TO JUNE. THIS CHANGE WOULD BE IN ANTICIPATION OF AND TO ALIGN WITH THE ANTICIPATED CHANGE OF MARYLAND LEGAL AID'S FISCAL YEAR FROM A CALENDAR-BASED FISCAL YEAR TO A JULY-THROUGH-JUNE FISCAL YEAR IN 2025. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 THE ORGANIZATION'S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C: THE PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM PRIOR YEAR. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A: OVERVIEW AS THE LARGEST PROVIDER OF FREE CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES IN MARYLAND, LEGAL AID BUREAU, INC. (DBA MARYLAND LEGAL AID/MLA) PROVIDED LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO MORE THAN 29,000 LOW-INCOME AND VULNERABLE MARYLANDERS IN 2023. FROM ITS 12 OFFICES AROUND THE STATE AND THROUGH ITS MANY COMMUNITY-BASED CLINICS, MARYLAND LEGAL AID HELPED ITS CLIENTS PRESERVE AND ACCESS SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING; MAINTAIN CUSTODY OF THEIR CHILDREN AND BE SAFE FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE; AND INCREASE THEIR ECONOMIC SECURITY BY DEFENDING AGAINST CONSUMER DEBT INCLUDING FORECLOSURES AND TAX SALES, REMOVING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT AND ACCESSING CRITICAL INCOME SUPPORTS SUCH AS UNEMPLOYMENT, FOOD STAMPS AND OTHER VITAL PUBLIC BENEFITS. OUR ADVOCATES ALSO REPRESENTED VULNERABLE MARYLANDERS INCLUDING SENIORS, NURSING HOME RESIDENTS, CHILDREN IN ALLEGED ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASES, MIGRANT FARMWORKERS AND THOSE IN MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTIONS. MLA ASSISTS ITS CLIENTS IN RESOLVING THEIR MOST FUNDAMENTAL LEGAL PROBLEMS TO BRING GREATER STABILITY AND POSSIBILITIES TO THEIR LIVES. WHILE MOST CLIENTS UNDERSTAND THEY HAVE A CRISIS OR A PROBLEM, THEY OFTEN DO NOT KNOW THEY HAVE A LEGAL PROBLEM. THEY RELY ON MLA'S LEGAL STAFF TO DETERMINE WHAT THEIR LEGAL PROBLEMS ARE AND HOW THEY CAN BE RESOLVED. MLA'S ADVOCATES TAKE GREAT CARE TO ASSIST PEOPLE IN NEED WITH RESPECT WHETHER THEY FIND US ONLINE, VIA TELEPHONE OR WALK IN TO OUR OFFICES OR CLINICS. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A: LEGAL AND ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS: MLA IS FOCUSED ON DEEPENING THE IMPACT OF OUR WORK IN OUR INDIVIDUAL CLIENT REPRESENTATION AND ON THE SYSTEMS IN WHICH OUR CLIENTS OPERATE TO MAKE THEM MORE EQUITABLE, FAIR AND JUST. IN 2023, MARYLAND LEGAL AID LAUNCHED THE TENANT RIGHT TO COUNSEL PROJECT (TRCP) AS PART OF THE STATEWIDE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MARYLAND ACCESS TO COUNSEL IN EVICTIONS ("ACE") PROGRAM. ONLY ONE OF THREE STATES TO PROVIDE A RIGHT TO COUNSEL FOR LOW-INCOME MARYLANDERS FACING EVICTION, THE PROGRAM HAS TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE FOR TENANTS AND, IN THIS EARLY PHASE OF IMPLEMENTATION, IT ALREADY HAS. WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR CAPACITY, RESULTING IN MORE THAN 50 PARALEGALS AND ATTORNEYS SPENDING 22,700 HOURS TO PROVIDE VITAL LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO MARYLAND TENANTS UNDER THREAT OF EVICTION. TO REACH MARYLANDERS WHO QUALIFY FOR REPRESENTATION BUT MAY NOT KNOW THAT THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO COUNSEL, THE ACE PROGRAM INCLUDES "SAME-DAY REPRESENTATION" IN RENT COURT. MARYLAND LEGAL AID AS THE ONLY STATEWIDE LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDER IS PART OF THESE EFFORTS IN EVERY JURISDICTION THAT HAS ESTABLISHED DAY-OF-COURT ASSISTANCE TO TENANTS, INCLUDING IN BALTIMORE CITY, WASHINGTON COUNTY, CARROLL COUNTY, CHARLES COUNTY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY AND FREDERICK COUNTY. MARYLAND LEGAL AID'S STAFF AND ITS EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS HOUSING JUSTICE FELLOWS HAVE BEEN ENGAGED IN COMMUNITY-BASED OUTREACH EFFORTS AS WELL TO INFORM TENANTS ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS AND THE LEGAL REPRESENTATION AVAILABLE BY LAW. HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THIS OUTREACH WORK. IN THIS EARLY STAGE OF THE PROGRAM, THE TENANT RIGHT TO COUNSEL PROJECT HAS MADE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE. OUR REPRESENTATION HAS PREVENTED AN EVICTION OR SUBSIDY TERMINATION IN 39% OF CLOSED CASES AND DELAYED AN EVICTION IN 30% OF CASES., THEREBY HELPING CLIENTS AVOID SUDDEN DISPLACEMENT. IN MANY OTHER CASES, CLIENTS WERE ABLE TO HAVE CRITICAL REPAIRS DONE, AVOIDED UNFAIR CHARGES, OR OBTAINED OTHER BENEFITS SUCH AS A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION. MARYLAND'S RIGHT TO COUNSEL LAW ENSURES THAT INCOME-ELIGIBLE RENTERS SHALL HAVE ACCESS TO FREE LEGAL REPRESENTATION WHEN FACED WITH EVICTION. MLA IS PLEASED TO PLAY A PART IN OUR STATE'S TRANSFORMATIONAL EFFORT TO PREVENT EVICTION, ENSURE SAFE HOUSING AND PROMOTE GREATER HOUSING STABILITY. IN OTHER HOUSING WORK, WE CONTINUE TO REPRESENT CLIENTS TO ENSURE THEY HAVE SAFE, HEALTHY AND STABLE HOUSING. FOR EXAMPLE, WE RECENTLY ASSISTED A BALTIMORE CITY SENIOR HOMEOWNER IN A GROUND RENT CASE. MLA WORKED THROUGH MANY ISSUES TO ASSIST HER IN REDEEMING THE GROUND RENT AND COLLABORATED WITH MVLS TO UNTANGLE THE TITLE. MLA STAFF HELPED THE CLIENT SECURE A GRANT FROM THE NONPROFIT S.O.S. TO PAY HER GROUND RENT. THIS COLLABORATIVE, HOLISTIC ADVOCACY MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR THIS CLIENT TO REMAIN IN HER HOME AND BUILD GENERATIONAL WEALTH FOR HER SON. ON THE EASTERN SHORE, MARYLAND LEGAL AID ACTED WHEN RESIDENTS OF A LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT (LIHTC) PROPERTY WERE THREATENED WITH EVICTION AFTER THE PROPERTY WAS TRANSFERRED TO A NEW OWNER. MLA'S ADVOCATES WON A JURY TRIAL AGAINST THE NEW OWNER FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH DUE PROCESS REQUIREMENTS AND AGREEMENTS GOVERNING THE LIHTC PROPERTIES. IN ADDITION TO A SIZEABLE JURY AWARD OF $75,000 IN THIS CASE, THE OWNER WAS UNABLE TO SUMMARILY EJECT THE RESIDENTS FROM THE PROPERTY. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A: FAMILY LAW: MARYLAND LEGAL AID CONTINUED ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROVIDERS OFFERING VITAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE VICTIMS OF INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE. THROUGH THIS PARTNERSHIP, MARYLAND LEGAL AID REPRESENTS THESE CLIENTS IN OBTAINING PROTECTIVE ORDERS AND ASSIST THEM IN FILING FOR DIVORCE AND CUSTODY OF CHILDREN IF NECESSARY AS WELL AS OBTAINING THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO RESTART THEIR LIVES AND LIVE FREELY WITHOUT ABUSE. MLA IS ALSO EMBARKING ON A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COLLABORATIVE JUSTICE LAW CENTER AND THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY. THROUGH THIS PARTNERSHIP, CHILD CUSTODY CASES IN WHICH BOTH PARENTS ARE UNREPRESENTED WILL BE REFERRED TO THE EXPEDITED COLLABORATIVE LAW PILOT PROJECT UPON FILING. THIS PROJECT PROVIDES AN ALTERNATIVE, NON-ADVERSARIAL APPROACH TO RESOLVING CHILD CUSTODY DISPUTES. THOUGH NOT APPROPRIATE IN ALL CASES, COLLABORATIVE LAW ALLOWS PARENTS TO RESOLVE THEIR ISSUES IN A LESS ADVERSARIAL WAY WHICH CAN HELP MAINTAIN A WELL-FUNCTIONING CO-PARENTING RELATIONSHIP FOR THE FUTURE. IF THE PARTIES REACH AN AGREEMENT DURING THE COLLABORATIVE LAW SESSION, THAT AGREEMENT IS MEMORIALIZED IN A CONSENT ORDER ENTERED BY THE COURT. ADMINISTRATIVE LAW: MARYLAND LEGAL AID WORKED TO ENSURE THAT MARYLANDERS WITH LOW INCOMES COULD ACCESS HEALTHCARE. THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, WITHOUT CONSULTATION, LISTED MARYLAND LEGAL AID'S CONTACT INFORMATION ON 1.7 MILLION LETTERS TO MEDICAID RECIPIENTS WHO WERE ADDED TO MEDICAID ROLLS DURING THE PANDEMIC AND WERE THEN FORCED TO FILE FOR A REDETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY OR LOSE THEIR HEALTHCARE BENEFITS. MLA MOUNTED A MASSIVE SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN INCLUDING "MEDICAID MONDAYS," AN ONGOING SERIES OF MESSAGES DESIGNED TO ALERT PEOPLE ABOUT THE NEED FOR REDETERMINATION AND TO INFORM THEM ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD THEY BE WRONGLY DENIED COVERAGE. MLA ALSO SENT OUT POSTCARDS INFORMING AFFECTED PEOPLE ABOUT THE SITUATION. MLA WAS INCLUDED IN THE GOVERNOR'S TASK FORCE ON THE PREVENTION OF ELDER ABUSE TO STUDY LAWS, POLICIES AND PRACTICES RELATED TO ELDER ABUSE AND CRIMES COMMITTED AGAINST OLDER ADULTS, ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE, LOW-INCOME SENIORS. CONNI BRIGHT GORDON, MLA'S ADVOCACY DIRECTOR FOR ADMINISTRATIVE LAW, SITS ON THE TASK FORCE WHICH WILL PRODUCE A REPORT TO IDENTIFY GAPS IN MARYLAND'S ELDER ABUSE LAWS. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A: ADMINISTRATIVE LAW (CONTINUED): OUR LAWYERS CONTINUED THEIR ADVOCACY TO FIX MARYLAND'S BROKEN UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM WHICH HAS CAUSED OUR CLIENTS FRUSTRATION AND HARM. MLA HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE IN GETTING CASES HEARD AND RESOLVED WHILE ALSO ARGUING FOR SYSTEMIC FIXES. WE WORK ON BEHALF OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. IN ONE CASE, WE ASSISTED AN 11-YEAR-OLD BOY WHOSE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS AND MEDICARE COVERAGE WERE INADVERTENTLY TERMINATED. OUR REPRESENTATION RESULTED IN A LIFE-CHANGING DECISION FOR THE CLIENT REINSTATING HIS BENEFITS AND PROVIDING A RETROACTIVE AWARD OF $23,000. IMPACT LITIGATION: MLA FILED THREE CASES WITH POTENTIAL WIDE-RANGING IMPACT ON THE CLIENTS WE SERVE. IN BALTIMORE CITY, WE FILED SUIT ON BEHALF OF SENIOR CITIZENS MANY OF WHOM HAVE DISABILITIES, LIVING IN UNLICENSED PROPERTIES WITH NUMEROUS HOUSING CODE VIOLATIONS. WE FILED AN AMICUS BRIEF IN THE MARYLAND SUPREME COURT IN THE WESTMINSTER MANAGEMENT, LLC V. TANAE SMITH CASE WHICH WILL DETERMINE THE DEFINITION OF "RENT" IN MARYLAND. LASTLY, MLA JOINED THE TEXAS ADVOCACY PROJECT IN FILING AN AMICUS BRIEF AT THE US SUPREME COURT IN US V. RAHIMI TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS THROUGH APPROPRIATE FIREARM REGULATIONS. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A: ASSESSING SERVICES: DURING 2023, MLA FULLY IMPLEMENTED CENTRALIZED INTAKE BRINGING ALL OFFICES AROUND THE STATE ON TO A NEW CLOUD-BASED TELEPHONE SYSTEM. WE HAVE CUSTOMIZED IT TO STREAMLINE THE INTAKE CALL PROCESSES AND WILL MONITOR DATA TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE CLIENT EXPERIENCE. MLA HAS RAISED AWARENESS ABOUT THE WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES THAT MLA PROVIDES TO THE PUBLIC BY CREATING AND LAUNCHING SUCCESSFUL DIGITAL AND MARKETING INITIATIVES. WE REACHED A MILESTONE OF 1,000 FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM. MLA INCREASED ITS MEDIA PRESENCE INCLUDING PLACEMENTS ON NPR, WALL STREET JOURNAL AND LAW360. WE HAVE CREATED CAMPAIGNS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT MEDICATED RE-ENROLLMENT, EVICTION AND FORECLOSURE PREVENTION AND EXPUNGEMENTS. TO REACH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) CLIENTS MORE EFFECTIVELY, WE HAVE IDENTIFIED MATERIALS FOR TRANSLATION AND CREATED A PROGRAM WHEREBY MULTILINGUAL STAFF CAN TEST FOR PROFICIENCY AND RECEIVE A STIPEND TO ACT AS A LANGUAGE RESOURCE TO CLIENTS. TO DATE, 29 EMPLOYEES HAVE TESTED PROFICIENT IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES AT MLA. PLANNING FOR MLA'S FUTURE: MLA MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN OUR STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS. THE INCLUSIVE PROCESS, INVOLVING MORE THAN A HUNDRED STAFF IN TWELVE STAFF-LED WORKGROUPS, CULMINATED IN AN ALL STAFF AND BOARD RETREAT IN OCTOBER, THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF A GENEROUS ONE-TIME GRANT. THE STRATEGIC PLAN, THAT WILL LAY OUT MLA'S STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND UPDATE OUR MISSION, VISION AND CORE VALUES, IS SET TO BE FINALIZED AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN SPRING 2024. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A: BECOMING A DATA-DRIVEN ORGANIZATION MLA HAS AUGMENTED ITS OPERATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT MLA'S PIVOT TO DEEPER DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING. TO SUPPORT THIS TRANSITION, MLA HAS HIRED SOME KEY STAFF POSITIONS, EXAMINED CURRENT PRACTICES AND IS MOVING TOWARD A BEST PRACTICES APPROACH TO HOW WE COLLECT AND USE DATA. WE ARE REVIEWING DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS PROCESSES, BEGINNING TO CRAFT A DATA DICTIONARY TO ASSURE DATA INTEGRITY, EXAMINING THE USE OF AI, AND IDENTIFYING IMPROVEMENTS. THERE WILL BE TRAINING FOR ALL STAFF SURROUNDING DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS. USE OF DATA IS KEY NOT ONLY FOR OUR FUNDERS, BUT TO INFORM OUR WORK, UNDERSTAND OUR IMPACT AND ADJUST OUR SERVICES AS NEEDED. CREATING A POSITIVE WORK CLIMATE WITH A NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM, MLA IS COMMITTED TO BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE CULTURE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN OUR VALUED STAFF. KEY TO THAT REBUILDING IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADERSHIP AND STAFF PREDICATED ON TRANSPARENCY, INCLUSION AND STAFF INVESTMENT. SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW MLA IS BUILDING A CULTURE OF INCLUSION AND TRANSPARENCY INCLUDE: 1) INVITING ALL STAFF TO PARTICIPATE IN STRATEGIC PLANNING; 2) HOLDING MONTHLY ALL-STAFF MEETINGS ATTENDED BY 200+ STAFF AND SENDING A MONTHLY STAFF NEWSLETTER; 3) ESTABLISHING A COLLABORATIVE UNION/MANAGEMENT RELATIONSHIP; 4) IMPLEMENTING A SPACE ALLOCATION RUBRIC TO ASSIGN WORKSPACE EQUITABLY IN OUR HYBRID WORKPLACES; 5) ROLLING OUT A NEWLY REVISED EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK; AND 6) CONDUCTING A COMPENSATION EQUITY STUDY. MLA HAS ALSO INVESTED IN ITS STAFF. WITH A COMPLETED COMPENSATION EQUITY STUDY THAT FOUND OUR SALARIES, AND PARTICULARLY LEGAL STAFF SALARIES, WERE BELOW MARKET, WE PRIORITIZED SALARY INCREASES THAT BROUGHT ALL STAFF TO MINIMUM MARKET LEVELS. THAT STUDY, ALONG WITH MLSC'S PAY EQUITY GUIDELINES, INFORMED OUR APPROACH TO CBA NEGOTIATIONS AND THE COMPENSATION APPROACH IN 2024. MLA NOW HAS A DEDICATED TRAINING DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE HIGH-LEVEL SERVICES TO CLIENTS AND BECOME MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE AS AN ORGANIZATION. ALL STAFF COMPLETED A SUITE OF ONLINE MANDATORY TRAINING RELATED TO DATA PRIVACY, WORKPLACE HARASSMENT, UNCONSCIOUS BIAS AND ACTIVE SHOOTER PREPAREDNESS IN 2023. THE TRAINING DEPARTMENT HAS PROVIDED A RANGE OF SUBSTANTIVE LEGAL TRAININGS INCLUDING A DAY-LONG SUMMIT ON THE ACE PROGRAM, A TWO-PART, MULTI-DAY INTENSIVE TRIAL ADVOCACY TRAINING FOR NEW LAWYERS AND IT COLLABORATED WITH OTHER LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAMS AND THE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION EXCHANGE TO HOLD A REGIONAL SUPERVISORY TRAINING FOR MORE THAN A DOZEN MLA LEGAL SUPERVISORS. MARYLAND CENTER FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE LLC 500 EAST LEXINGTON BALTIMORE MD 21202 821170415 CIVIL LAW MATTERS MD 6916301 3700931 LEGAL AID BUREAU INC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MARYLAND CENTER FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE LLC L 858468 FMV