Advocates For Basic Legal Equality, operating under the name Able, is located in Toledo, OH. The organization was established in 1974. According to its NTEE Classification (I80) the organization is classified as: Legal Services, under the broad grouping of Crime & Legal-Related and related organizations. As of 12/2021, Able employed 79 individuals. This organization is an independent organization and not affiliated with a larger national or regional group of organizations. Able is a 501(c)(3) and as such, is described as a "Charitable or Religous organization or a private foundation" by the IRS.
For the year ending 12/2021, Able generated $8.5m in total revenue. This represents relatively stable growth, over the past 7 years the organization has increased revenue by an average of 4.3% each year. All expenses for the organization totaled $6.9m during the year ending 12/2021. While expenses have increased by 1.2% per year over the past 7 years. They've been increasing with an increasing level of total revenue. You can explore the organizations financials more deeply in the financial statements section below.
Form
990
Mission & Program ActivityExcerpts From the 990 Filing
TAX YEAR
2021
Describe the Organization's Mission:
Part 3 - Line 1
ADVOCATES FOR BASIC LEGAL EQUALITY, INC. (ABLE) IS A NON-PROFIT LAW FIRM THAT PROVIDES HIGH QUALITY LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CIVIL MATTERS TO HELP ELIGIBLE LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS TO ACHIEVE SELF-RELIANCE, EQUAL JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.
Describe the Organization's Program Activity:
Part 3 - Line 4a
HOUSING JUSTICE AND COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION, RACIAL JUSTICE, BUSINESS TRANSACTIONAL LEGAL SERVICES, ENTREPRENEUR LEGAL SUPPORT, COOPERATIVE LAW, LAND TRUST LAW, SHARED EQUITY DEVELOPMENT MODELS, FOOD EQUITY, FAIR HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, TENANTS RIGHTS, EVICTION DEFENSE, HOUSING SUBSIDY PRESERVATION, AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRESERVATION AND LOCATION, FORECLOSURE DEFENSE, DISASTER RECOVERY, LEAD POISONING PREVENTION, RETURNING CITIZENS, MENTAL HEALTH AND HOUSING, CONSUMER RIGHTS.AGRICULTURAL WORKER AND IMMIGRANT RIGHTS: PROTECTING AND EXPANDING THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND IMMIGRANT FAMILIES BY ADDRESSING UNFAIR OR DISCRIMINATORY EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AND CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, INCLUDING RACIAL OR ETHNIC PROFILING; DISCRIMINATION; UNPAID WAGES & MINIMUM WAGE CLAIMS; IMMIGRATION; NATURALIZATION; CIVIL RIGHTS; KNOW YOUR RIGHTS; IMMIGRANT DETENTION REPRESENTATION; HOUSING CONDITIONS; EDUCATION; HEALTHCARE; SNAP AND OTHER GOVERNMENT BENEFITS; PRESERVE FAMILY UNITY & STABILITY; SAFETY FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, OTHER CRIMES, PERSECUTION, TORTURE & HUMAN TRAFFICKING; COMBAT UNFAIR OR DISCRIMINATORY WORKPLACE PRACTICES; IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR IMMIGRANTS, REFUGEES & THEIR FAMILIES.FAIRNESS IN EDUCATION: EDUCATION ADVOCACY PROJECT PARTNERING WITH PARENTS AND PROVIDING TOOLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION, COLLABORATION WITH EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO ELIMINATE THE DISPROPORTIONATE DISCIPLINARY MEASURES EXPERIENCED BY BIPOC AND ECONOMICALLY CHALLENGED STUDENTS; DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CIVIL RIGHTS LITIGATION; LEGAL ADVOCACY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS, AND DUE PROCESS PROCEEDINGS; INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR A FREE, APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN; LEGAL ADVOCACY FOR STUDENTS IN NEED OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER SERVICES. HEALTHCARE AND ECONOMIC STABILITY: PROTECTION AGAINST UNFAIR DEBT COLLECTION, OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING FOR PEOPLE WITH CRIMINAL RECORDS, SECURING MEDICAID BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, SECURING ACCESS TO CRITICAL FOOD ASSISTANCE (SNAP), EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOB SEEKERS, REMOVING BARRIERS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES SO PEOPLE CAN LIVE INDEPENDENTLY IN THEIR HOMES AND COMMUNITY WITH MEDICAID WAIVER FUNDING, CASH ASSISTANCE BENEFITS FOR FAMILIES, SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES. ABLE REPRESENTS CLIENTS IN SEVERAL AREAS OF LAW, INCLUDING HOUSING, (PUBLIC HOUSING, EVICTION, FORECLOSURE AND HOUSING CONDITIONS); COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND GOVERNMENT BENEFITS, EDUCATION, IMMIGRATION, AND THE LEGAL PROBLEMS THAT AGRICULTURAL WORKERS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, VETERANS AND SENIOR CITIZENS FACE. EACH YEAR ABLE'S EXPERIENCED STAFF OF ATTORNEYS, PARALEGALS, AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS THROUGHOUT 32 COUNTIES IN NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL OHIO AND TO AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND IMMIGRANTS THROUGHOUT OHIO. WE HAVE OFFICES LOCATED IN DAYTON, TOLEDO AND DEFIANCE. WE MEET THE LEGAL NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS WORKING IN CONJUCTION WITH OUR PARTNER LAW FIRM, LEGAL AID OF WESTERN OHIO, INC. (LAWO). THE SERVICES WE PROVIDED BENEFIT CHILDREN, SENIORS, VETERANS, IMMIGRANTS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, PERSONS WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE, FAMILIES FACING EVICTION AND FORECLOSURE, HOMELESS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, CHILDREN STRUGGLING TO SECURE APPROPRIATE EDUCATION SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS, AGRICULTURAL WORKERS, AND NURSING HOME RESIDENTS, AMONG OTHERS. OUR ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES WORK IN AREAS THAT PRIVATE ATTORNEYS USUALLY DO NOT, INCLUDING REPRESENTATION OF TENANTS, LOW-INCOME HOMEOWNERS, AGRICULTURAL WORKERS, IMMIGRANTS, VETERANS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES AND PEOPLE SEEKING GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE. TOGETHER ABLE AND LAWO CONSTITUTE THE LARGEST PROVIDER OF FREE, COMPREHENSIVE CIVIL LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO LOW-INCOME PERSONS IN OHIO. NEARLY 25% OF OHIO'S POVERTY POPULATION LIVES IN OUR 32 COUNTY SERVICE AREA. OUR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AND HEADQUARTERS ARE LOCATED IN TOLEDO AT THE CENTER FOR EQUAL JUSTICE. IN 2021, ABLE AND LAWO RECEIVED 11,657 REQUESTS FOR HELP, WORKED ON 7,009 CASES, AND CLOSED 4,450 CASES BENEFITTING 17,490 PEOPLE. ABLE AND LAWO ALSO SECURED $9,693,017 IN MONETARY BENEFITS FOR THEIR CLIENTS.
Name (title) | Role | Hours | Compensation |
---|---|---|---|
Janet E Hales Executive Director | Officer | 52 | $123,067 |
Rebecca Steinhauser Managing Attorney | 45 | $106,971 | |
Nikoleta Cook Chief Financial Officer | Officer | 39 | $103,956 |
Carmen Ortega Vice President | OfficerTrustee | 1.5 | $0 |
Thomas J Schaffer President | OfficerTrustee | 1.5 | $0 |
Jonathan Hollingsworth Vice President | OfficerTrustee | 1.5 | $0 |
Statement of Revenue | |
---|---|
Federated campaigns | $24,465 |
Membership dues | $0 |
Fundraising events | $81,820 |
Related organizations | $52,609 |
Government grants | $3,015,336 |
All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above | $4,743,311 |
Noncash contributions included in lines 1a–1f | $0 |
Total Revenue from Contributions, Gifts, Grants & Similar | $7,917,541 |
Total Program Service Revenue | $635,428 |
Investment income | $2,023 |
Tax Exempt Bond Proceeds | $0 |
Royalties | $0 |
Net Rental Income | $0 |
Net Gain/Loss on Asset Sales | $10,130 |
Net Income from Fundraising Events | -$84,236 |
Net Income from Gaming Activities | $0 |
Net Income from Sales of Inventory | $0 |
Miscellaneous Revenue | $0 |
Total Revenue | $8,514,560 |
Statement of Expenses | |
---|---|
Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. | $512,774 |
Grants and other assistance to domestic individuals. | $0 |
Grants and other assistance to Foreign Orgs/Individuals | $0 |
Benefits paid to or for members | $0 |
Compensation of current officers, directors, key employees. | $287,753 |
Compensation of current officers, directors, key employees. | $287,753 |
Compensation to disqualified persons | $0 |
Other salaries and wages | $3,642,518 |
Pension plan accruals and contributions | $66,521 |
Other employee benefits | $498,923 |
Payroll taxes | $302,555 |
Fees for services: Management | $0 |
Fees for services: Legal | $16,213 |
Fees for services: Accounting | $42,951 |
Fees for services: Lobbying | $0 |
Fees for services: Fundraising | $37,827 |
Fees for services: Investment Management | $1,047 |
Fees for services: Other | $251,490 |
Advertising and promotion | $0 |
Office expenses | $263,416 |
Information technology | $38,964 |
Royalties | $0 |
Occupancy | $285,968 |
Travel | $27,168 |
Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials | $0 |
Conferences, conventions, and meetings | $7,162 |
Interest | $26,581 |
Payments to affiliates | $0 |
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization | $173,768 |
Insurance | $31,134 |
All other expenses | $123,960 |
Total functional expenses | $6,909,424 |
Balance Sheet | |
---|---|
Cash—non-interest-bearing | $3,996,534 |
Savings and temporary cash investments | $561,214 |
Pledges and grants receivable | $772,470 |
Accounts receivable, net | $0 |
Loans from Officers, Directors, or Controlling Persons | $0 |
Loans from Disqualified Persons | $0 |
Notes and loans receivable | $0 |
Inventories for sale or use | $0 |
Prepaid expenses and deferred charges | $61,848 |
Net Land, buildings, and equipment | $4,319,406 |
Investments—publicly traded securities | $119,160 |
Investments—other securities | $0 |
Investments—program-related | $0 |
Intangible assets | $0 |
Other assets | $185,099 |
Total assets | $10,015,731 |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $541,530 |
Grants payable | $0 |
Deferred revenue | $1,365,486 |
Tax-exempt bond liabilities | $0 |
Escrow or custodial account liability | $76,746 |
Loans and other payables to any current Officer, Director, or Controlling Person | $0 |
Secured mortgages and notes payable | $660,857 |
Unsecured mortgages and notes payable | $0 |
Other liabilities | $859,128 |
Total liabilities | $3,503,747 |
Net assets without donor restrictions | $6,687,760 |
Net assets with donor restrictions | -$175,776 |
Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds | $0 |
Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building, or equipment fund | $0 |
Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds | $0 |
Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances | $10,015,731 |
Over the last fiscal year, we have identified 1 grants that Advocates For Basic Legal Equality has recieved totaling $60,000.
Awarding Organization | Amount |
---|---|
Clement O Miniger Memorial Foundation Toledo, OH PURPOSE: GENERAL | $60,000 |
Beg. Balance | $104,379 |
Earnings | $15,828 |
Admin Expense | $1,047 |
Ending Balance | $119,160 |
Organization Name | Assets | Revenue |
---|---|---|
Community Legal Services Inc Philadelphia, PA | $20,694,601 | $20,774,549 |
Michigan Advocacy Program Ypsilanti, MI | $15,566,146 | $18,099,365 |
Indiana Legal Services Inc Indianapolis, IN | $3,509,840 | $15,005,387 |
Ohio Access To Justice Foundation Columbus, OH | $23,293,407 | $20,940,760 |
Legal Aid Society Of Cleveland Cleveland, OH | $18,594,395 | $15,287,940 |
Lakeshore Legal Aid Warren, MI | $6,435,662 | $14,759,346 |
Legal Aid Of West Virginia Inc Charleston, WV | $8,085,231 | $13,007,034 |
Ohio State Legal Services Association Columbus, OH | $8,857,054 | $10,048,043 |
Legal Aid Society Of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH | $10,863,496 | $9,551,747 |
Midpenn Legal Services Inc Harrisburg, PA | $12,492,160 | $10,083,039 |
Louisville & Jefferson County Public Defender Corporation Louisville, KY | $5,987,315 | $9,350,159 |
North Penn Legal Services Inc Pittston, PA | $3,610,200 | $8,536,778 |