KeyBank announced Aug. 22 an investment of $800,000 in the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland to increase access to courts and government agencies and access to justice for people with low-income, according to a news release.
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland provides legal services at no cost to ensure fairness for all in the justice system — regardless of how much money a person has to residents of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties.
The organization handles cases that impact basic needs such as health, shelter and safety, economics, education and access to justice, according to the release.
“The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland has helped improve the lives of thousands of people across Northeast Ohio and is a major advocate for systemic change,” said Kelly Lamirand, KeyBank’s market president and commercial sales Leader for Cleveland in the release. “KeyBank is known for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, especially for marginalized communities, and we are thrilled to support this organization and their ongoing efforts to fight for racial justice, remove barriers to opportunity and meet the needs of clients in our area.”
“With this gift, KeyBank shows us how together we can extend justice,” said Colleen Cotter, executive director of The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland in the release. “This gift is an investment in Legal Aid’s new strategic plan and our quest to be better for our client community.”
In 2022, Legal Aid served 21,700 people through nearly 8,000 cases and supported thousands more through legal education and outreach efforts, according to the release.
KeyBank has supported the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland since 2005, and this latest investment brings the total to $1.35 million, the release said.
Members of Key’s legal department also have served as regular pro bono volunteers, the release said.
