Legal Aid unveils new program
Center to raise $15M to expand its services
The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada started serving the valley’s most vulnerable residents almost 60 years ago, hoping to answer a simple question.
It was, “Who needs legal aid?” Maximiliano Couvillier, president of the board of directors, said Wednesday as the center unveiled its new Access to Justice Endowment Program — a plan to raise $15 million to expand existing programs and add new legal specialties.
Couvillier listed examples of the nonprofit center’s clients: Foster care children who need to be listened to. Domestic violence victims. Elderly people who are being forced out of their homes. The center has 43 attorneys; some work pro bono.
“Who do you turn to? Who do you trust?” Couvillier asked. “With no legal help, a victim’s voice is not heard.”
The Engelstad Family Foundation announced a $10 million matching challenge gift Wednesday. For every $1 donated through 2020, the foundation will match $2.
Venicia Considine, development and community relations director, said the center has been soliciting donations for the endowment. Already, more than $2.2 million has been raised, with donors including Wynn Resorts Ltd., Caesars Foundation,
Boyd Gaming Corp. and the Boyd Foundation, Kemp Jones & Coulthard, MGM Resorts International, Golden Entertainment.
When matching funds are included, $6.6 million has been raised for the endowment.
“Our fingerprints will run through many generations,” Couvillier said.
The endowment will provide funding