Pictured: (From l-r) Goodwill Manasota president Donn Githens with James Clegg, staff attorney, and Robin Stover, deputy director of housing, of Gulfcoast Legal Services.

In 2018, Goodwill Manasota and Gulfcoast Legal Services launched a partnership in order to provide monthly legal clinics to Goodwill employees and the public at Goodwill's Corporate Campus in Bradenton. Through these monthly offerings, participants with legal questions have been able to take advantage of free consultations – up to half an hour each – with attorneys from Gulfcoast Legal Services. These consultations determine if participants are eligible for free representation in the following legal areas: family, housing, immigration, elder, consumer and/or victims of crime. Now, with the opening of a new Gulfcoast Legal Services office in Venice, the organization has agreed to present similar offerings at Goodwill's North Port location. The first session will take place on Thursday, May 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; future sessions will take place on the third Thursday of every month. These monthly clinics are geared toward residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties who have limited income and assets and who are not able to afford a private attorney. Gulfcoast attorneys will meet with every person and determine what legal services may be available. Clinics take place in the Community Resource Center on the Goodwill Manasota Corporate Campus (2705 51st Ave. E., Bradenton) the second Wednesday every month, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Goodwill's North Port location (14879 Tamiami Tr.) on May 26 and then the third Thursday of each month, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Participants are required to bring a photo ID and proof of income (paystub, SSI/SSDI statements, W-2 or bank statements showing deposits). While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are strongly recommended. To schedule in Bradenton, call Margo at 941-355-2721, ext. 190. To schedule for North Port, call Deshane at 941-355-2721, ext. 515.

Pictured: (From l-r) Goodwill Manasota president Donn Githens with James Clegg, staff attorney, and Robin Stover, deputy director of housing, of Gulfcoast Legal Services.