by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid held a reception to kick off the celebration of its 35th anniversary Thursday at the offices of Smith Hulsey & Busey Downtown.
The event recognized both the history of JALA and the history of the support from the Jacksonville community.
The organization will count on that support more in the coming years as it expects to face a near $1 million deficit for its 2012 fiscal year.
“It’s going to be a tough year, but I think it’s going to be temporary,” said Michael Figgins, executive director of JALA, speaking to about 40 people attending the event. “I feel we can work through this.”
JALA began in 1976. It is a law firm of 36 attorneys specializing in providing civil legal assistance to low-income people.
356-2466