NORWICH – Realizing a significant need for pro bono legal services in Chenango County, the Justice Alliance of Central New York is broadening its footprint to include the Chenango County area, giving many local residents access to free legal help.

The Justice Alliance of Central New York is a partnership organizations between Legal Services of Central New York and the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, two nonprofit law firms specializing in two areas of legal services. The agency’s focus is on representing low-income families and individuals who have difficulty accessing the justice system.

In Chenango County, the Legal Aid Society will managed cases related to family court matters, including divorce, custody issues, and child support and visitations. Housing matters, like foreclosure and eviction cases, as well as denial of public and unemployment benefits, will be handled by Legal Services.

“I think Chenango County has been underserved in terms of legal services,” said Christin Faber-Moseley, a representative of the Justice Alliance in the greater Binghamton area. “It’s a service that has been well received in Chenango County, and we are ready to take it to the next level.”

The Justice Alliance has partnered with the Chenango County Bar Association which supplies pro bono services through to the volunteer efforts of its attorney members. Referrals are made by partnering community service organizations Catholic Charities of Chenango County and Opportunities for Chenango.

“I was excited when they decided to bring this service to the area. This is something that has been a need in Chenango County for a long time,” said Lisa Natoli, president of the Chenango County Bar Association. “The attorneys of the Bar Association have been incredibly supportive of this endeavor and have volunteered readily to staff it.”