Legal Aid of Southeast Pennsylvania

LASP’s 6th Annual Chester County 5k Trial Run/Walk Seeks Sponsors and Volunteers

March 1st, 2010

As Spring nears, LASP is looking for sponsors, volunteers and runners for the 6th Annual 5k Run/Walk on June 26, 2010, to benefit Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s Chester County Division. The race will be held in West Chester, and over 150 runners are expected to participate. There are six race sponsorship levels available, ranging from $100-$3,500, each with their own promotional and race entry benefits. Would you or your business consider being a local sponsor? Visit www.trialrun5k.com for more information. Also, consider running or walking for the cause. Proceeds from the event will support Legal Aid’s free legal services for low-income and vulnerable families in Chester County.

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Heightened Poverty Rates Expand Beyond the City in 2008-2009, Reaching Philadelphia Suburbs

February 15th, 2010

A recent report in the Philadelphia Inquirer turned readers’ eyes to an unfamiliar place in regards to poverty rates: the suburbs. In his report, Alfred Lubrano summarized a Brookings Institution report highlighting a nationwide poverty increase of 25% between 2000 and 2008 in the suburbs, nearly five times the rate of increase in urban poverty. Locally, in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks and Chester counties (Legal Aid’s target counties) the number of individuals receiving food stamps grew from 23% to 33%. While suburban poverty is often overlooked, this article reminds us of its presence and amplified rates during times of national economic decline.

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