ABOUT US
Objective
A Bit of History
Staff Component
Contributions
Waterloo Region Community Legal Services
450 Frederick Street
Unit 101
Kitchener, ON
N2H 2P5
Phone: (519)743-0254
Fax: (519)743-1588
Welcome
to our web site! Waterloo Region Community Legal Services (WRCLS) is a
non-profit organization dedicated to providing legal services
to those who
meet our criteria for financial eligibility
in the Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge area.
To advocate for justice, particularly in support of secure housing and fair, adequate, income to supplement or replace wages from employment.
Our clinic has served the Region of Waterloo, including Cambridge, for over twenty years!
In 1972 there existed a free consulting service, (duty counsel), administered by the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo and what was then referred to as the Ontario Legal Aid Plan, providing general information, brief advice and referrals to those with legal problems seeking direction.
Gradually, these Tuesday evening duty counsel clinics saw an increased demand for services and gaps were identified in existing services. In September 1980, after being approved for funding, the WRCLS opened with three staff members: a lawyer, a community legal worker and an administrative assistant. WRCLS has been helping people in need ever since.
In April 1982, an independent Board of Directors took over administration of the clinic from the Social Planning Council. In July 1983 the clinic was incorporated as a non-profit charitable corporation, and is recognized as a charitable organization by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. We continue to be funded by Legal Aid Ontario as a legal services provider.
Over time the clinic has adjusted its services to meet and reflect the demands of the community it serves. WRCLS responds to a greater demand for services in landlord and tenant issues and income security problems such as workers' compensation, social assistance and disability support programs.
Today, the clinic has a staff of five lawyers, one community legal worker and two support staff. WRCLS is administered by our Executive Director and a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of various community members.
We are a nonprofit organization providing a service to clients in the Waterloo Region. Funds are required in order to maintain the quality services we provide. WRCLS welcomes any donations you wish to make to us and thus, to your community. We will provide tax receipts for your contribution.
For more information contact us at 519-743-0254.