Establishment of Self-Help Centers

In order to significantly widen its impact, in 2000 NLSLA partnered with County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky to launch a pilot Self Help Center – the first of its kind in the country – which provided free legal assistance to thousands of Angelenos who otherwise could not afford to get legal help. That model center in Van Nuys is now one of eight NLSLA Self Help Centers – the largest network of Self Help Centers legal access centers in the U.S. – which have assisted more than one million people to stand up and have their voices heard in county courts. Each month, thousands of Angelenos receive help escaping abusive relationships, gaining custody of their children, and fighting to hold onto their home.