Hosted by Lora Lewis, Philadelphia Focus introduces you to the people and organizations making a difference in our community, from health and safety issues to education, employment, and even entertainment opportunities.  Philadelphia Focus looks for solutions and positive action to make our region a better place to call home.

Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) Executive Director Shawn Boehringer, Esq. and LASP Board President and Executive Director of the Delaware County Bar Association William Baldwin, Esq., discussed the vital legal representation their team provides to the most vulnerable members of our community and the economic value to the community. Services including landlord/tenant disputes, Family Law including protection from domestic violence, and services for vulnerable populations such as veterans and the elderly. They spoke of their work with Income Maintenance, protecting and obtaining Unemployment Insurance, SSI and other benefits. We also discussed other programs affecting income, including ‘Fresh Starts’ dealing with ‘clean slate’ and bankruptcy, as well as foreclosure prevention and financial literacy and budgeting courses. Services are free based on income, funded by Federal and State programs, foundations and individual donations. For return on investment, a dollar spent on legal services saves 12 dollars in social services, court costs, emergency relief and other expenses; it is cost effective to prevent litigation or eviction.