Executive Director, Bruce Iwasaki

Working For Justice In Our Communities Since 1929

April 2001

Our firm has made tremendous progress during the past four years. In May 1997 we had 27 lawyers and 86 total staff. This year our attorney staff will nearly double. We now have 48 lawyers, with plans to hire at least five more, and about 120 staff in all. Given our successful merger with the Legal Aid Foundation of Long Beach, we now have six offices covering the largest poverty population of any metropolitan area in the nation.

At the end of June 1997 we had annual expenses of just over $7 million. Our 2001 budget is nearly $11 million. Moreover, the portion of our budget from the federal Legal Services Corporation has decreased from about two-thirds to 57 percent. Our expanded budget and diminished reliance on federal funding is due to success in securing local government grants and increasing private donations.

Our support in the community - particularly at the board level - is stronger than ever. Thanks to outstanding board officers, and also the infusion of a fabulous contingent from the former Long Beach program, the board of directors is informed and strongly supportive of our work. We also have launched a board of governors made up of stellar community leaders who will also strengthen our support.

This month, as you can see, we've launched this terrific website that will be used by job seekers, donors, clients, and advocates. And our newsletter, also out now, continues to improve in content and appearance as it reflects and publicizes the range of our advocacy.

Most importantly, throughout the Foundation, there is greater interest in proactive advocacy aimed at systemic community problems. We have filed more affirmative cases and participated in more permissible legislative advocacy. During the past year the staff has engaged in a strategic planning process. With the help of community advocates and experts, we intend to have an even greater impact by attacking community issues in a more focused, thoughtful, and planned way.

Thank you for your continued support for LAFLA, the frontline law firm for low-income people in Los Angeles.

BGI