THE VALLEY 10 / PEOPLE WHO WILL MAKE NEWS IN 2001
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“The role of legal aid is to provide the tools, information and help to low-income communities so that they can improve their quality of life.”
Name: Neal Dudovitz
Age: 52
Profession: Executive director of the Pacoima-based Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (formerly San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Services).
Latest accomplishment: Oversaw the opening of two self-help legal access centers--one at Monroe High School in North Hills, the second next to Van Nuys Superior Court--which provide information and guidance for people with civil problems in areas such as family law and landlord-tenant disputes. If successful, they will serve as models for more self-help law centers elsewhere in Los Angeles County. Expanded the Consumer Health Center of Los Angeles, which provides a referral hotline and advocacy for the uninsured.
Goals for 2001: With a boost in federal and private funding, Neighborhood Legal Services plans to expand into the San Gabriel Valley and provide more legal aid for Asian-language communities. Two new offices--one in the Glendale-Pasadena region, another in the El Monte area--are in the works. A continuing goal is to find efficient ways to improve low-income communities’ access to health care, quality education and affordable housing.
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