On January 31^st the Des Moines Register announced that Iowa Legal Aid, Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, Anawim Housing and Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa were finalists for the Aurora Award, given to organizations or institutions in central Iowa that make "a measurable difference in the community without thought to awards or public recognition."

The award, in its eighth year, began as an opportunity to recognize diverse contributions made in the community by organizations.

"The Des Moines Register takes great pride in our community," said Register publisher Laura Hollingsworth. "It's an honor to celebrate the people and organizations whose commitment and hard work guarantees a brighter future for the greater Des Moines area."

Iowa Legal Aid was nominated for the honor by Ivan Webber of the firm of Ahlers and Cooney P.C.  An independent and anonymous panel reviews the nominations and votes, with the top vote getters receiving recognition as finalists.

Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa was announced as the winner February 10^th at the Temple for Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines.

Many Iowans, due to poverty, disability, or circumstance, struggle and lose their way in our legal system. Iowa Legal Aid exists to provide them access to justice. Ultimately Justice comes to mean housing families, while providing safety from domestic abuse, and security for the nearly 45,000 predominately women, children, people with disabilities and elderly Iowans served each year. Iowa Legal Aid serves as a safety net for thousands of low-income Iowans who require legal representation to secure the basic necessities of their lives.

Sadly, in 2007, more than 12,000 families were turned away or under served because we lack the resources to secure ‘Justice for All’

Introducing the Iowa Legal Aid Foundation
The Iowa Legal Aid Foundation is dedicated to raising the funds necessary to increase and sustain the services of Iowa Legal Aid. We hope that you share our belief that hope, dignity and justice are due to all Iowans regardless of income.

With your help Iowa Legal Aid will be there when…
• families unjustly face homelessness
• women and children seek escape from violence and abuse
• elderly Iowans are denied their dignity

And with your help, the vision of Justice for All will be realized in Iowa.

Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.
- Nelson Mandela