United impact: Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
Justice that lasts beyond the holidays…
Every day, families across the Metro East face challenges that threaten their safety, stability, and dignity. A senior risks losing the home she has lived in for decades. A mother must decide between paying rent or buying groceries for her children. A veteran struggles to access the benefits he earned. For those without the resources to hire an attorney, these moments can feel overwhelming and hopeless.
That is where Land of Lincoln Legal Aid steps in. For more than 50 years, Land of Lincoln has provided free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families across 65 counties in central and southern Illinois, including the Metro East. Each year, the organization closes tens of thousands of cases, helping people avoid eviction and foreclosure, secure custody and safety for children, access health care and benefits, and resolve consumer issues that threaten financial stability.
“We believe justice should not depend on the size of your bank account,” said Clarissa Gaff, executive director of Land of Lincoln Legal Aid. “Every day, our attorneys and staff help families stay in their homes, survivors of violence find safety, seniors live with dignity, and communities grow stronger. That’s the heart of our mission: ensuring access to justice for everyone.”
Angela, a single mother of two, is one of these stories. After unexpectedly losing her job, she quickly fell behind on rent. When an eviction notice arrived, Angela feared her children would have no safe place to live during the holidays. Land of Lincoln’s attorneys stepped in, negotiated with her landlord, and prevented an eviction. At the same time the Client Support Services team connected her with emergency resources to stabilize her family. By the time the case closed, Angela had secured a new job and her children remained in their home, safe and stable.
Her story is just one of thousands, but it shows the ripple effect of legal aid. A single case doesn’t just resolve a crisis; it lays the foundation for a stronger future. Preventing an eviction in December means a child begins the new year in the same school with the same friends. Helping a senior secure Social Security benefits means monthly stability that allows her to live independently for years to come. Clearing an old criminal record for a veteran means he can finally get a job, turning years of closed doors into a new chance to provide for his family with dignity and stability.
Land of Lincoln’s ability to meet these needs is strengthened through its partnership with United Way of Greater St. Louis. As one of United Way’s more than 160 funded agencies, Land of Lincoln benefits from critical support that allows it to focus on delivering high-quality legal services while being part of a regional network of nonprofits meeting urgent needs.
“Being part of the United Way network means we’re connected to something bigger,” said Gaff. “It is more than funding. It is about joining with other organizations to ensure people across our region can live their best possible lives. We are proud to be a United Way partner agency because together, we are stronger.”
Land of Lincoln also welcomes attorneys to join its robust pro bono program. Volunteer lawyers multiply the reach of staff attorneys and expand access to justice, ensuring more families across the Metro East receive the legal help they desperately need.
Just as importantly, community members can support Land of Lincoln’s mission by spreading the word. Sharing stories of impact, talking with friends and colleagues about the importance of legal aid, and encouraging others to give all strengthen the movement for justice.
Looking ahead, Land of Lincoln will continue to expand its reach, with new initiatives like Mobile Justice, a legal clinic on wheels designed to break down barriers to justice. These fully equipped mobile vans bring attorneys and advocates directly into communities, making it easier for people in rural or underserved areas to access free civil legal help. From housing and family law to consumer rights and public benefits, Mobile Justice delivers services where they are needed most, across all 65 counties.
Combined with the dedication of its staff, volunteers, donors, and partners like United Way, the organization is prepared to meet the growing needs of the region and ensure that justice is never out of reach.
“Your support ensures our neighbors can face the future with dignity and hope,” said Gaff. “Together, we are building stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Illinois.”
Your donation to United Way helps local nonprofit agencies like Land of Lincoln provide critical support to those who need it most.
Give today at helpingpeople.org/2025-Campaign.
[Editor’s note: This is one of 20 United Way funded partner agencies being featured by the Illinois Business Journal through Thanksgiving as a part of its 2025 Giving Guide. The purpose of this third annual IBJ Spotlight is to encourage readers to consider supporting these agencies as a part of their holiday and year-end giving. The 2025 Giving Guide is sponsored by the Illinois Business Journal in partnership with United Way of Greater St. Louis.]
