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Kansas Bar Foundation and Kansas Bar Association Assist
Greensburg Victims
(May 18, 2007) Topeka, Kan.—In response to the recent disaster in the Greensburg area, the Kansas Bar Association (KBA) and its philanthropic arm, the Kansas Bar Foundation (KBF), have developed several important public service initiatives to help local residents in need.
First, storm victims who have been affected by the tornadoes and who may need legal assistance should call the KBA’s Lawyer Referral Service’s toll-free number at (800) 928-3111 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (CDST), Monday through Friday. Callers should identify they are seeking storm-related legal pro bono representation. Assistance is available for individuals in Barton, Edwards, Kiowa, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Pratt, and Stafford counties.
Citizens who may have legal problems such as re-establishing identities, handling employment and estate matters, or filing insurance claims, are encouraged to call.
Second, the KBA is coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the opportunity to establish a presence in the immediate area to provide pro bono attorneys for in-person consultations. Beginning May 21, the KBA will have a booth with attorneys on site at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located at Barclay College Gym in Haviland, Kan. Click here to view and download the PDF flier for more information on this free disaster-related legal assistance for victims of the Kansas tornadoes and types of legal assistance that will be provided.
Third, the KBF is also collecting financial contributions that will be specifically earmarked for the court system and law-related relief efforts in the Greensburg area. Contributions to the Greensburg Disaster Relief Fund can be made online at http://www.ksbar.org/greensburg/ or by calling the KBF at (785) 234-5696.
“We have all been touched in some way by the disaster in the Greensburg area, and we are looking to help,” said KBF President Sally D. Pokorny, Lawrence. “Donations that are made to the Bar Foundation will allow us to assist the attorneys, court system, and citizens of Greensburg as they cope with the legal issues arising from such a disaster.”
“My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families affected by the Greensburg disaster,” said KBA President David J. Rebein, Dodge City. “The heroism and pioneer spirit of these courageous people will never cease to amaze me.”
The KBA and KBF would like to thank Kansas Legal Services Inc. and the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association for their assistance with the relief efforts.
For more information, please contact KBF/KBA Executive Director Jeffrey Alderman at (785) 234-5696 or via e-mail at info@ksbar.org.
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Contact: Meg Wickham
Manager, Public Services
Kansas Bar Association
1200 SW Harrison St.
PO Box 1037
Topeka, KS 66601-1037
E-mail Meg Wickham
Phone: 785-234-5696
About the Kansas Bar Association and Kansas Bar Foundation
Founded in 1882, the Kansas Bar Association is a voluntary professional association comprised of more than 6,500 members, including lawyers, judges, law students, and paralegals. The KBA is dedicated to advancing the professionalism of its members, encouraging public understanding of the law, and promoting the effective administration of our system of justice.
Founded in 1957, the Kansas Bar Foundation is a philanthropic, nonprofit corporation associated with the Kansas Bar Association. The Foundation forges partnerships between the bar, the courts, and the legal aid organizations in Kansas to improve our system of justice and to help low-income and disadvantaged members in our community by ensuring that they have meaningful access to the justice system to protect their rights. The Foundation places special emphasis on issues affecting children and families and also supports exceptional educational programs for youth by awarding more than $3 million since 1984.
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