Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. (PLAN, Inc.) is responsible for administering funding to civil legal aid organizations that serve residents in each of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. As nonpartisan stewards of public funding, we oversee grant distribution, compliance, data reporting, and performance monitoring for fourteen independent civil legal aid programs that respond to the specific needs of their communities.

In her welcome message, PLAN, Inc.'s Executive Director, Meredith Rapkin, emphasizes the essential nature of civil legal aid:

Civil legal aid is practical, results-oriented work. It keeps families housed. It helps veterans access benefits they have earned. It protects older adults from financial exploitation. It supports survivors of abuse as they secure protection orders and custody arrangements that keep children safe. When these kinds of serious problems go unresolved, the consequences ripple far beyond one household—affecting schools, employers, health systems, and local governments.

Last year, our network provided a free lawyer to nearly 81,000 households across Pennsylvania. This support benefitted a total of 176,500 people, including 75,000 children. Throughout the Commonwealth, people sought help for issues affecting their housing, safety, and economic security.

In addition to direct representation, we provided advice and information to more than 56,000 additional people through community clinics, education sessions, and workshops. Through digital access, we reached even more Pennsylvanians—569,000 first-time visitors turning to PALawHelp.org for legal information and self-help resources. Recognizing that legal issues rarely stand alone, we facilitated 55,361 referrals to other legal, social, and community-based supports on behalf of our clients.

Behind these statistics are real people with powerful stories. This year's report highlights how our advocates helped a homeless veteran get his Veteran's Benefits restored to allow him to secure housing, and providing him with long-term economic security; protected access to life-sustaining utility service for an 86-year-old senior and her family; and prevented the foreclosure of a family's home after a medical crisis upended their family finances.

We invite you to explore these stories and more in this year’s Annual Report and share it with those who share our commitment to equal access to justice for all.
 

View the 2025 PLAN Annual Report