NORWICH – The Legal Aid of Mid New York office has been providing service to Chenango County residents for years. In the past, the office, located in The Norwich Center at 27 W. Main St., was open one day a week, but now the agency is expanding its hours and service.
Pamela Maclaren has worked in the Legal Aid office for some time answering consumer-related questions. She deals with issues relating to housing, bankruptcy, divorce and other consumer-driven issues.
Amelia Leach is now joining the staff. Leach’s career history includes nursing work in both Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton and Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich. She will use her experience from those jobs to assist with Social Security income and disability. She will be available for any claims or questions regarding these or other issues.
“There are many in need of Social Security income and disability assistance. We want them to know they have someone nearby and accessible,” Leach said.
The office will now be open four days a week – from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. If these times are not convenient, people still have the availability of the Binghamton office, Leach pointed out.
“If questions or problems arise, we are accessible and available to help,” Leach said. If the legal aid office is unable to provide assistance for any reason, they can help by making referrals to someone who can deal with the situation.
Legal Aid of Mid New York is an agency of the United Way. Leach hopes that they will be able to serve the community by working cooperatively with other local agencies.
“We are able to follow the clients through the entire process,” she said. The same person will be assisting them from beginning to end. According to Leach, it provides a certain level of comfort.
If you are in need of legal assistance, you can reach Maclaren or Leach by calling the Legal Aid office at 336-8256, or toll free at 1-800-404-2782.