Lifespan’s Legal Link Improves Access to Justice
Lifespan Local has taken a bold step toward bridging the legal access gap with the launch of a new legal services initiative led by staff attorney Katie Heideman-Shelton at Blossom House. This program aims to embed legal support directly into the community - making legal help more accessible, trustworthy, and aligned with Lifespan’s mission to support holistic wellbeing.
Katie Heideman-Shelton Staff Attorney
Background
Heideman-Shelton joined Lifespan at the start of the year to develop a legal aid program that responds directly to community needs. Her work builds on strategic planning and community engagement conducted over the past two years, where a recurring theme emerged: neighbors wanted more than short, one-time legal consultations. They needed ongoing support, and relationships with attorneys who could stand beside them in complex legal matters.
Legal Link
In response, Lifespan launched Legal Link in May - a legal navigation program that helps community members understand their rights, explore legal options, and connect with trusted attorneys offering pro- or low-bono representation. Legal Link serves as a first step toward a larger vision to build a full-scale legal aid program by 2026.
“Our goal is to fill the gaps,” says Heideman-Shelton. “Drop-in clinics are valuable, but many people need more than 20 minutes with an attorney. They need someone who can represent them, and that kind of service is hard to find if you’re low- or moderate-income.”
The program addresses a major pain point many have, which is simply not knowing where to begin. Legal Link demystifies the legal system and offers a safe, accessible space to seek guidance—whether for housing issues, family law, contracts, immigration, or beyond.
Ongoing Programing
To strengthen the program’s reach, a summer legal intern, Arthur Veloz Marin, has been building a referral network to connect clients with lawyers across multiple fields of practice. The team is also developing plans to hire a paralegal and explore sustainable funding models to ensure longevity.
An upcoming “Know Your Rights” workshop for students and parents, hosted at Blossom House in September, will focus on school disciplinary processes and student disability rights, further highlighting the organization’s commitment to legal empowerment across the lifespan.
Ultimately, the program is not about legal outcomes—it’s about wellbeing. “Legal challenges are often tied to health, housing, and dignity,” says Heideman-Shelton.
