YOUR SUPPORT HELPS LEGAL AID KEEP FAMILIES SAFE AND STABLE

A’Miracle and her family with Attorney Rachel Barr (left)

A’Miracle underwent her first open-heart surgery when she was just seven days old. Now five, she has endured three surgeries due to her rare, often deadly, congenital heart condition. It is not curable, but it is manageable.

Because her condition is so disabling, A’Miracle has received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments since birth. Last year, Social Security proposed to terminate these benefits, saying A’Miracle had “medically improved”. A working mother, with other children, Tellena Royce could not cover the expenses to keep A’Miracle healthy without the monthly SSI payment. She did not know what to do.

Then, pediatrician Tasha Johnson referred the family to Child HeLP, Legal Aid’s Health Law partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Legal Aid attorney, Rachel Barr represented Tellena to prevent the termination of A’Miracle’s SSI benefits.

Appealing a social security benefits denial is a complex, long, and arduous process. Over 18 months, Rachel kept fighting for Tellena and A’Miracle. For the final appeal, she enlisted the help of Dr. James Cnota, A’Miracle’s pediatric cardiologist. His test demonstrating the extent of A’Miracle’s disability strengthened Rachel’s case.

As a result, Social Security ruled that A’Miracle’s SSI benefits would continue. Now, Tellena and her husband can focus on managing A’Miracle’s health and the family’s well-being from a financially stable position.

Your financial support helps Legal Aid keep families stay safe and stable.

Other ways to Support Legal Aid

Send Us a Check

If you would prefer to mail us a check, please make it payable to The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati.  Our address is:  The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati, 215 E. Ninth Street, Suite 200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

Make an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution

Consider using your Traditional IRA to make an Annual Charitable Gift.

If you are 70½ or older, this is a good opportunity to use an asset that otherwise would be taxed if you took a distribution.

Please direct the IRA administrator to make the transfer directly from your IRA to Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati to avoid any tax issues.

Making the IRA charitable rollover gift to Legal Aid will count towards your minimum distribution for the year from the IRA.  But, it won’t count as income on your tax return.

Use a Donor-Advised Fund

Consider using a Donor-Advised Fund to make an Annual Charitable Gift.

A Donor-Advised Fund gives you a tax deduction in the year you set it up. The money to set one up can come from cash, appreciated stocks, or investments. Once it is set up, you can recommend a contribution to the charity of your choice. You control the amount and the timing of the distribution.

Contribute Stock

If you would like to send Legal Aid stock, please notify your personal financial advisor that you wish to make an electronic transfer of stock to the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati.  Here is the information about us you will need to complete the transaction:

  • Our Depository Trust Company (DTC) # is 0221.  Our account number is WL18338 9C. 
  • Our Broker is UBS Financial Services, 8044 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati OH 45236-2926.  Our UBS contact is Sam Burchenal at 513.792.2100.

If you require further information, please contact Legal Aid’s Chief Financial Officer, Cindy Resor at 513-362-2836.

Make a Planned Gift

Maximize your estate tax and financial planning situation while investing in Legal Aid for posterity.

You can name Legal Aid as a beneficiary in your will, trust or life insurance policy.  You can also name Legal Aid as beneficiary of an IRA, 401K, 403B, or other qualified gift plan.  It is easy to do.  Just include our tax identification number:  31-536673.   Any of these options may provide potential estate tax savings for your heirs while providing long term support for Legal Aid.  Ask your personal financial advisor which is best for you.

The funds Legal Aid receives from law firms, attorneys, individuals, corporations, and foundations are a statement of commitment for our mission by the community. All private donation income is used in support of our mission.  Funds are used in accordance with Legal Services Corporation and other funder regulations.