OUR IMPACT
Fighting for Justice and Equal Legal Access
For 45 years, AVLF has been a civic problem solver, an innovator, and a trusted partner in the fight for justice. Our mission has always been clear: to ensure that every person—regardless of income—has access to legal support, protection, and a fair chance at justice.
In 2024, our decades-long commitment to legal advocacy made a real difference in the lives of thousands:
- 5,475 individuals received legal assistance from AVLF staff
- 414 volunteers dedicated their time to serve the community
- $273,569 in financial assistance was provided to those in crisis
Safe & Stable Homes
From courtroom victories to critical repairs, we stood with tenants to fight unsafe housing and unfair evictions.
- Nearly 2,000 tenants received free legal support
- Over 100 families prevented from being evicted
- 119 settlements negotiated to protect tenants’ rights
- 191 households received rental assistance to stay housed
- 563 cases addressed unsafe living conditions
Safe & Stable Families
When abuse, fear, and uncertainty threatened Atlanta families, we stood beside them—offering protection, legal assistance, and a path forward.
- 2,042 individuals found safety and support at the Safe Families Office
- 84 lives changed through expert Family Law support
- 577 individuals empowered through Standing with Survivors
- 1,508 Temporary Protective Orders secured
A Legacy of Advocacy & Innovation
Since 1979, AVLF has been a driving force in legal advocacy, mobilizing Atlanta’s attorneys to stand with tenants and survivors of intimate partner abuse. What began with the Saturday Lawyer Program has evolved into a comprehensive legal and social support network—providing not just representation, but long-term solutions for housing stability, family safety, and community resilience.
AVLF has led the way in transforming access to justice, from launching the Safe Families Office in 2009, to embedding legal advocates in schools through Standing with Our Neighbors in 2016, to pioneering mobile advocacy services in 2022. At every turn, we have met the community where they are—ensuring justice is accessible, timely, and effective.
Our work is far from over. We will continue to innovate bold solutions, inspire systemic change, and invest in a more just Atlanta.
Standing with Our Neighbors: Stabilizing Homes, Strengthening Students
By embedding attorneys and advocates directly in schools, AVLF’s Standing with Our Neighbors program stabilizes families before crises escalate. This place-based approach helps prevent evictions, reduce student mobility, and ensure that housing instability does not disrupt a child’s education. Stronger families mean stronger students, and stronger students mean stronger communities.
Standing with Survivors Mobile Advocacy Van: Justice on the Move
AVLF’s mobile advocacy van brings legal and social services directly to survivors—eliminating transportation and safety barriers that often keep them from seeking help. This first-of-its-kind approach ensures survivors can connect with legal experts and advocates wherever they feel safest.
Safe Families Office: A Courtroom Revolution
The first courthouse-based domestic violence resource center in Georgia, the Safe Families Office transforms survivors’ access to legal protection. By providing on-the-spot legal support, survivors can navigate the court process in a safe, trauma-informed environment—without barriers or delays.
Client Quotes
“The entire AVLF staff, including my attorney and others provided exceptional service. They made a tremendously challenging situation much more understandable. AVLF is a wonderful and effective resource for our community.” – HCAC Client Feedback
“Everyone I worked with was very considerate, empathetic and knowledgeable. They understand the emotional issues we go through and provide timely support. I could not have gotten the protective orders without their help. They are life-savers.” – SFO Client Feedback
“Thank you AVLF for taking my case. My attorney was professional, kind, and understanding. We as a community need more people in the world like her. I hope her blessing and your company blessings overflow this year with nothing but greatness! – SSF Client Feedback