Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) provides equal justice as the only free civil legal aid located in northwest Minnesota. With offices in Alexandria, Bemidji, and Moorhead, each person eligible for legal aid may talk with a legal advocate/attorney. Depending on the nature of the issue, LSNM may provide general advice, assist in drafting forms, engage in negotiation or litigation, and/or represent at an administrative law or district court hearing. Let me tell you about Anna... Fear, uncertainty and chaos filled little Anna’s* home life as she repeatedly watched her dad beat her mom. She carried these feelings to school where she exhibited insecurity, received poor grades, and did not invite friends to her house. This fear only increased when she was eleven and stood by as dad was on top of mom with his hands around her neck. Thankfully, her mom got Anna and her little brother Johnny* away and into the car. That’s when dad started shooting at the car with his rifle. Confusion of having someone you know and love shooting at the car filled 11-year-old Anna’s mind. Mom got Anna and Johnny away from the home and later reached out to LSNM for help with an Order for Protection. LSNM helped secure an Order for Protection for Anna, Johnny, and their mom. They have since relocated to a new community where Anna feels more secure and comfortable inviting friends over to her home and performs much better in her classes. *Client names changed. We help with consumer, education, employment, family, housing, protective orders, public assistance, disability benefits, and senior issues. Visit www.lsnmlaw.org to learn more about LSNM and how you can be a Partner in Justice! LSNM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution will be expended in accordance with federal Legal Services Corporation Act, 42 U.S.C. 2996, et seq. and Public Law 104-134. See www.lsc.gov for additional information.