MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Every Tuesday, as part of our Greater Memphis on a Mission series, we highlight an organization making Memphis better. This week, we caught up with a group that believes regardless of one’s circumstances in life, each person deserves the opportunity to seek justice.

“Memphis needs something like the Community Legal Center because justice shouldn’t depend on how much money you make,” said Diana Comes, the Executive Director of the Community Legal Center.

The CLC is a public interest non-profit law firm that serves those with limited means. Civil law is one of the services they provide.

“Issues like family law matters, including divorces, adoptions, guardianships, name changes, and things like that,” said Comes.

They can also help with landlord or tenant issues.

“Folks who are facing an unsafe condition in their housing or folks who are facing eviction, we’re not always able to help with every single case. But if we can’t help, we will try to make a referral to an organization that can help you,” said Comes.

They also assist with drafting wills, power of attorney, and conservatorship at a sliding scale cost.

“This organization means the ability to give assistance to those who can’t afford a private attorney. It means protecting the most vulnerable citizens in Shelby County,” said Lauren Prater, an Elder Law Staff Attorney.

Their elder law program is free to anyone over the age of 60 in Shelby County and assists seniors who are being abused to help escape their abusers.

“A vulnerable senior female who had dementia was being physically abused and financially abused by her grandson who had moved into her home and simply wouldn’t leave,” Prater said. “We were able to not only get her an order of protection and get the grandson out of the house, but we also appointed a conservator for her so that someone responsible and acting in her best interest is now managing her money.”

They also offer immigration law programs and pro se parent programs.

That is why brown Missionary Baptist Church and Mid-South Genesis CDC donated $1,000 to the Community Legal Center because you should still have access to justice even if you can’t afford a private attorney.

For more information about the Community Legal Center, click here.