A Case for Support

VIP promotes equal justice for the poor by providing civil legal services not otherwise available, collaborating with other legal services organizations and promoting a culture of volunteerism by educating and exposing attorneys and law students to issues of poverty.
      –Philadelphia VIP Mission Statement

Our Commitment

As a matter of principle and civic responsibility, Philadelphia VIP believes that access to the legal system should be ensured for all residents and businesses in Philadelphia.

More than 24% of Philadelphia’s citizens fall below the poverty line. For most families, this means a daily struggle for employment, family stability and shelter. These individuals and families are also disproportionately involved in the legal system, forced to engage with the courts to secure their basic human needs. Individuals and families who are denied access to justice are at risk for losing their income and thus, connections to their family and their home.  Moreover, for the growing number of citizens for whom English is a second language, self-representation is, at best, difficult and frustrating.

To leverage greater services, VIP effectively recruits and supports more than 1,000 volunteers each year, and has been linking volunteer attorneys to residents, small businesses and nonprofits since 1981. Each dollar invested in VIP provides more than $3.50 in legal services to clients.  In 2010, Philadelphia VIP’s pro bono attorneys and professional staff assisted in civil cases for more than 1,500 individuals and families who could not afford attorneys and whose cases would not have been handled by other public interest organizations.  The estimated value of the legal services provided in 2010 is more than $4,000,000.

Founded under the auspices of the Philadelphia Bar Association, VIP staff and the large well-trained pool of volunteer attorneys are uniquely qualified to (1)  address ongoing intractable legal issues facing low-income Philadelphians (2) serve as the agency that will identify and tackle critical emerging needs  and (3) act as the entry point of pro bono work for many attorneys who are inspired to use their expertise to help VIP’s  clients.

Your Opportunity

Philadelphia VIP’s goal is to raise $1 million over the next three years in order to take a significant step toward realizing its vision. Our Vision Statement for VIP in 2019 is "VIP is reaching new heights, with unparalleled growth in the numbers of clients served, volunteers involved with the organization, and staff. We have developed new legal specialty areas, we have enough funds to meet our mission fully, and our physical facilities enhance our ability to work effectively with both clients and volunteers."                                                                            

Your new or increased support of VIP can make a profound difference to individuals, families, or community and indeed to the quality of life within the greater Philadelphia region.

While there are a number of legal service organizations in the area, the demand for pro bono legal services far exceeds the capacities of these groups.  By using volunteer resources, Philadelphia VIP steps up to be the hub of pro bono legal services in Philadelphia, the agency of last resort, and the organization in the best position to expand its reach and impact.

Take advantage of this opportunity to invest in Philadelphia VIP.  VIP can in turn say YES to clients to help them break the cycle of poverty or exploitation, overcome obstacles, and navigate complex issues. We hope you will consider a gift to Philadelphia VIP this year. Please know that your donation, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated by each and every staff member, volunteer, and client of Philadelphia VIP.
 

To learn about VIP's work and the impact of your gift, read the entire Case For Support.