Mission
The Rhode Island Center for Law and Public Policy (RICLAPP) was incorporated as a public charity under IRC §501(c)(3) in March, 2008. The Center's mission is to provide access to legal services to low income Rhode Islanders, small non-profit agencies and for-profit small businesses as well as to develop public policy initiatives for the betterment of all Rhode Islanders.
Vision
The Rhode Island Center For Law And Public Policy is committed to ensuring that all Rhode Islanders, regardless of income, have the opportunity to access needed legal services. By doing so, we will not only improve the lives of individuals but also assist in building stronger and more vibrant communities. We believe that our communities thrive only when everyone is given the opportunity to succeed.
RICLAPP'S ANNUAL APPEAL MESSAGE
I am writing today to ask you to become a partner of the Rhode Island Center of Law and Public Policy; helping us to meet the needs of our fellow Rhode Islanders.
Imagine you’re in any of the following situations:
- You have two small children who have lead poisoning because of the paint on your walls.
- You are disabled and have been denied disability benefits that you feel you deserve.
- Your son, who has a learning disability, has been denied education services designed to provide him a free and appropriate public education.
- You believe you have been sexually harassed by the head of your company.
- You’ve recently been laid off, but you have an idea for a small business start-up.
- Your elderly parents have had their social security benefits suspended because of allegedly being “overpaid.”
Who would you call in these situations? An accountant? A realtor? A mailman? Of course not. What you really need is a lawyer. In addition to the above scenarios, imagine that you’re financially unable to hire an attorney. That’s where the Rhode Island Center for Law and Public Policy (RICLAPP) comes in.
The above situations all involve basic human needs. Safe housing, a free public education, workplace safety, and economic stability are necessary components to an individual’s and family’s well-being; and necessary to sustain a minimal quality of life for all of us.
I am the President of RICLAPP. I was born and raised in Rhode Island. My family lives in Rhode Island. I have benefited from Rhode Island public schools and colleges. I have seen our fellow citizens struggle to cope with seemingly insurmountable odds.
Some were born or became disabled; some were born into poverty while others have been caught up in the current recession; some are forced to rely on public benefits; while others, in the latter years of life, try to ward off predatory creditors, retain limited resources, and navigate unfathomable social, legal, and governmental programs.
I founded RICLAPP to meet these needs.
While we meet with clients at our Warwick office, we primarily rely on our outreach efforts to reach as many people in need as we can. This proactive approach to the delivery of legal services has enabled us to become a partner with other community resources so that, combined, we can make more of an impact in the lives of people in need.
· As the legal provider of the Rhode Island Medical Legal Partnership for Children at Hasbro Hospital, we have worked on 150 cases for the benefit of children. We have stood with children and their families to ensure that children will no longer be subject to other attacks on their health caused by substandard housing, black mold, or infestation of insects and mice.
· By partnering with several Chambers of Commerce, Every Company Counts, the Small Business Development Corporation, and Bridges To Business, RICLAPP’s Small Business Development Program has participated in the formation of over 60 small businesses this year. A substantial number of these businesses have hired other Rhode Islanders, helping to ease the burden of hard economic times.
· By partnering with senior centers in six Rhode Island communities, through our Elder Legal Clinics, we have been able to serve hundreds of seniors with a variety of legal issues. We were able to protect a group of seniors in a housing project from unfair rent collection practices. We have represented seniors in overpayment actions brought by Social Security. We have counseled hundreds of seniors protecting their homes.
I am asking you to partner with RICLAPP today and enable us to achieve our mission - meeting the legal needs of all Rhode Islanders.
Your support of RICLAPP will send a message throughout our community that every person deserves the same basic rights to legal services; creating a better and stronger Rhode Island for all.
On behalf of our staff, Board of Directors, and all of our clients; thank you for your partnership and support.
Respectfully,
Geoffrey A. Schoos, Esq.
President
Rhode Island Center for Law and Public Policy
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RICLAPP On The Air
Listen to RICLAPP attorney, Ryan McNelis, speak about RICLAPP's elder law clinics througout Rhode Island. The segment aired on The Senior Scene, WOON 1240 AM and provides great information for all Rhode Island seniors. Click here to listen!
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- You have two small children who have lead poisoning because of the paint on your walls.
- You are disabled and have been denied disability benefits that you feel you deserve.
- Your son, who has a learning disability, has been denied education services designed to provide him a free and appropriate public education.
- You believe you have been sexually harassed by the head of your company.
- You’ve recently been laid off, but you have an idea for a small business start-up.
- Your elderly parents have had their social security benefits suspended because of allegedly being “overpaid.”
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· As the legal provider of the Rhode Island Medical Legal Partnership for Children at Hasbro Hospital, we have worked on 150 cases for the benefit of children. We have stood with children and their families to ensure that children will no longer be subject to other attacks on their health caused by substandard housing, black mold, or infestation of insects and mice.
· By partnering with several Chambers of Commerce, Every Company Counts, the Small Business Development Corporation, and Bridges To Business, RICLAPP’s Small Business Development Program has participated in the formation of over 60 small businesses this year. A substantial number of these businesses have hired other Rhode Islanders, helping to ease the burden of hard economic times.
· By partnering with senior centers in six Rhode Island communities, through our Elder Legal Clinics, we have been able to serve hundreds of seniors with a variety of legal issues. We were able to protect a group of seniors in a housing project from unfair rent collection practices. We have represented seniors in overpayment actions brought by Social Security. We have counseled hundreds of seniors protecting their homes.
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Your support of RICLAPP will send a message throughout our community that every person deserves the same basic rights to legal services; creating a better and stronger Rhode Island for all.
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Elder Abuse Forum
Japan Disaster has Global Consequences
Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:47:30 +0000
This post was researched and written by our news blog writer and pro bono attorney, James Ryan McNelis, J.D., M.P.A.
On March 11th, an 8.9 magnitude devastated northeastern Japan, but the true impact of the damage may take months to realize. The quake was the 5th largest in recorded history, and was so powerful, that it [...]
Is 2011 the new 1848?
Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:20:50 +0000
This post was researched and written by our news blog writer and pro bono attorney, James Ryan McNelis, J.D., M.P.A.
In 1848, the “Year of Revolution” began as unrest in France which toppled the royal government and created the Second French Republic. This caused a cascading domino effect that stirred up revolutions, protests, and reforms across [...]
All Providence Teachers Issued A Pink Slip
Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:27:46 +0000
This post was researched and written by our news blog writer and pro bono attorney, James Ryan McNelis, J.D., M.P.A.
On February 23rd, the Providence School System issued 1,926 dismissal notices to every teacher within the school system due to concern of a looming budget crisis. “This is beyond insane,” Steven Smith, the Providence Teacher’s Union President [...]
You can always support RICLAPP by making a contribution through our secure PayPal account or by sending a donation in the mail.
Help your friends and neighbors receive necessary legal services. By contributing today, we will be able to represent every Rhode Islander.
The Rhode Island Center For Law And Public Policy, Inc., is a public charity under IRC §501(c)(3) and all contributions are tax deductible.
By Mail: (Please make your check, payable to RICLAPP) 3288 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886
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© Copyright 2007 All rights reserved. The Rhode Island Center for Law and Public Policy, Inc.
Phone: 401-921-5988 | Fax: 401-921-5989 | Email: melissa@riclapp.org