New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty worked with mothers who came forward to share their stories of the significant barriers that stopped them from getting help through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/New Mexico Works (TANF).   TANF provides a small amount of cash assistance and work supports to very low-income families with children. It is one of the only public programs that offers parents and children essential financial support during times of hardship. But very few families actually get assistance. TANF only reaches 40% of eligible families because of outdated and punitive requirements that make it difficult to enroll and stay enrolled.   In addition to helping produce this powerful video series, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty identified practical reforms to improve this program and continues to advocate with New Mexico moms for access to and expansion of this essential program. 

We are saddened by the loss of Timothy Sheehan, on January 6, 2023. He cared deeply about his community and was instrumental in establishing Equal Access to Justice in the late '80's to support legal services programs in New Mexico. He served in various roles on EAJ's board of directors and continued to advocate for increased funding for legal services in our state.
A reception will be held at the Sheehan Winery Tasting Room in Old Town on Sunday, January 15th from 1-4pm.

Everyone should be able to get the civil legal help they need, not just those who can afford it. Join us in keeping the door open for all New Mexicans and giving back to our community 365 days of the year!

Volunteer as a Pro Bono Attorney
Serve on a committee or board
​Share your "why"
Give to help level the playing field
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​If you keep your eyes and heart open, you'll find that there are lots of opportunities for all of us to help serve and uplift our community.
- Paul Abrams

Thanks to our community's generosity and unwavering belief in the importance of civil legal services, $274,566 was raised during Equal Access to Justice's 2021-22 Annual Campaign.   EAJ's newly released annual report celebrates the many individuals and law firms that made this possible, and highlights the impact of these gifts. 
We invite you to view the report by following this link. Thank you for  investing in our community and positively impacting the lives of countless families. 

To read the full press release click here!

Watch this video on the incredible people involved with DNA-People's Legal Services and the impactful work they are doing. Hear from current and past staff and attorneys!