• Legal Aid will host its annual meeting with keynote remarks from Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr

    by Tonya Sams      (Plain Press, December 2022) The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will host its 117th Annual Meeting on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland. Legal Aid’s annual event will highlight hope, extend gratitude, and provide updates on high-impact community partnerships and initiatives. Additionally, Legal Aid…


  • Tremont residents should examine how to maintain a diverse neighborhood

    Tremont residents should examine how to maintain a diverse neighborhood by Chuck Hoven (Plain Press, October 2022)  Tremont residents should be encouraged to participate in Ideastream’s Justin Glanville My Changing Neighborhood discussions where there is an examination of how to maintain a diverse neighborhood when gentrification is occurring.    The Tremont neighborhood could use some…


  • Guardians for Fair Work support wage theft protection

    SCREEN SHOT BY BRUCE CHECEFSKYMonday, September 12, 2022; Public Comment, Cleveland City Council Meeting, Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Avenue: Matthew Ahn, a spokesperson for the Guardians for Fair Work, says legislation introduced at Cleveland City Council to address wage theft falls short of expectations. Guardians for Fair Work support wage theft protection by Bruce…


  • Civil protection orders can help keep domestic violence survivors safe

    Civil protection orders can help keep domestic violence survivors safe by Tonya Sams (Plain Press, October 2022)   Survivors of domestic violence may need to take extra precautions after leaving their abuser.      Filing a civil protection order (CPO) is one way that you can protect yourself. A CPO can be filed with the Domestic Relations…


  • New Neighborhood Housing Court Kiosk opens at the South Branch Library

    New Neighborhood Housing Court Kiosk opens at the South Branch Library by Bruce Checefsky Plain Press, August 2022        Cleveland Housing Court and Cleveland Public Library have teamed up to bring the court to the community. Starting this month, the new Neighborhood Housing Court Kiosk at the South Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, located at…


  • Books, buses and the unexpected – tips for the new school year

    Books, buses and the unexpected – tips for the new school year by Tonya Sams Plain Press, August 2022        August is here and we will soon hear the ringing of school bells. But preparing for the new year is more than just buying clothes and supplies – it is also about preparing for new situations…


  • How to address lead paint and other conditions in rental properties

    by Tonya Sams Plain Press, July 20220                             When housing conditions are endangering your family, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by worry and fear.      One common problem is the presence of lead in older homes. Most homes built prior to 1978 used paint that contained lead.       Children exposed to lead poisoning may suffer from learning and behavioral…


  • Ohio Fair Lending Coalition and City Council hold Public Forum to address fair lending issues

    by Bruce Checefsky (Plain Press, June 2022)                            The Ohio Fair Lending Coalition, a collaboration of organizations across the state of Ohio banding together to address fair lending and banking issues, sponsored a forum featuring the newly elected Cleveland City Council members Deborah Gray, Ward 4; Richard Starr, Ward 5; Stephanie Howse, Ward 7; and Kris Harsh, Ward…


  • Understanding wage garnishment: it is common for creditors to garnish your wages to get paid back 

    by Tonya Sams  (Plain Press, June 2022)                            What happens when you don’t earn enough money to pay your debts, but creditors start coming after your limited financial resources? Unfortunately, it is common for creditors to garnish your wages to get paid back.       Wage garnishment allows creditors to receive payments for a debt owed by taking money directly…


  • Getting a fresh start: sealing a criminal record and CQE’s

    Getting a fresh start: sealing a criminal record and CQE’s by Tonya Sams Plain Press, May 2022             Many people who have been incarcerated have a difficult time obtaining employment after their release from prison. This can hinder them from fulfilling their parole obligations as well as providing for themselves. Reentrants to regular society can try to…