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History of the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc.

A Foundation of Justice (1952-1960)

     The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc., began its mission in 1952 with a singular focus—ensuring that no one is denied legal counsel due to financial hardship. Initially serving Oneida County, the Society was spearheaded by the Oneida County Bar Association and relied on volunteer efforts. By 1956, Frederick K. Baldwin, the Society’s first full-time attorney and Executive Director, transformed it into a professional organization. The organization’s impact was modest at first, but its mission resonated deeply: in 1961, the Society served 564 clients and provided legal advice to another 400 people over the phone with a $12,000 budget.

Growth Through Federal Support (1960s–1970s)
     The 1960s marked a turning point. With funding from the Office of Economic Opportunity in 1967, the Society expanded and opened a second full-time office in Rome, New York. This support brought significant organizational changes, including a larger Board of Directors to represent a growing region.

     By the 1970s, the organization expanded dramatically under new leadership. Federal funds and grants from the Legal Services Corporation enabled service extensions to Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Otsego, and Delaware Counties. This decade saw budgets grow to $621,000 (equivalent to $2.4 million today), employing 27 attorneys who closed over 3,000 cases annually by 1980.

Challenges of the 1980s: Resilience Amid Funding Cuts
     The 1980s introduced significant hurdles. Federal funding reductions, including a 25% budget cut in 1982, forced the closure of the Lewis County office and reduced services in Herkimer and Madison Counties. Despite financial setbacks, the Society’s dedication to justice never wavered. Through strategic adaptation, it continued serving thousands of clients while adding new programs funded by the state, like the Disability Advocacy Project for Social Security claims.

     In 1984, the Society adopted the name "Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York" to represent its broader service area, which now encompassed nine counties.

Innovation and Advocacy in the 1990s and 2000s
     The 1990s saw the introduction of transformative programs like the Farmworkers Law Project, supported by the Legal Services Corporation. During this period, the Society expanded its services to assist survivors of domestic violence, thanks to funding from the Violence Against Women Act. Additionally, pro bono efforts surged, with Volunteer Lawyer Panels established across its service areas, earning widespread recognition.

     The 2000s brought structural changes, including an expansion to 13 counties in 2004. The Central New York Legal Helpline became a critical resource, providing legal advice to more clients across this expanded region. By focusing on modern issues such as housing stability, disability rights, and domestic violence, the Society continued to respond to the needs of its community.

Addressing Modern Crises (2010s–2020s)
     The foreclosure crisis of the late 2000s and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 presented new challenges. With federal and state Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funding, the Society prioritized eviction prevention and housing stability. These years also saw expansion in Helpline services and representation for clients navigating Social Security, housing, and domestic violence cases.

A Legacy of Justice
     Through decades of growth, challenges, and change, the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York has held fast to its mission. As Executive Director Paul Lupia eloquently states, "We take the phrases ‘justice for all’ and ‘equal access to justice’ and make them into a concrete reality that can have an actual impact on the lives of our clients."

     Today, the Society remains committed to providing high-quality legal aid across its 13-county service area. From its origins in Oneida County to its modern role as a regional leader in legal advocacy, the Society continues to exemplify the enduring importance of equal access to justice.

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