LEGAL SERVICES OF GREATER MIAMI, INC.

3000 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 500 ● Miami, Fl 33137-4129 ● (305) 576-5112 Fax ● (305) 573-1578 TDD
(305) 438-2501 ● MCypen@lsgmi.org

www.lsgmi.org

                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              CONTACT: Marcia K. Cypen

LEGAL SERVICES OF GREATER MIAMI, INC. STAFF HONORED

MIAMI, Fla. -- June 20, 2008 -- At its annual Staff Awards Luncheon on June 18, LSGMI team members were honored for their exemplary service in support of the organization's mission.

Staff Attorney Lissette Labrousse received the Alfred Feinberg Memorial Award, which celebrates the LSGMI attorney whose determination and commitment in advocating for the poor exemplifies that of Alfred Feinberg, LSGMI's former Assistant Director of Litigation.

South Dade Intake Paralegal Maryse Dumont received the Dan Judson Bradley Memorial Award, which is given to a non-attorney who excels in carrying out the mission of serving the poor in the tradition of Dan Bradley, former LSGMI Board Member and President of the Legal Services Corporation.

Co-Senior Housing Attorney Jeffrey Hearne received the Blanca Fiallo Memorial Award, which is given to the individual who exudes professionalism in every aspect of their work, and whose commitment is shaped by care and concern for those they work with and serve.

"Today we celebrate our dedicated and talented staff who are passionately committed to equal justice, " said LSGMI Executive Director Marcia K. Cypen. "In carrying out our daily mission to protect those who can't protect themselves, it is our staff members who make it happen on the front lines."

Recognized for continuous service to LSGMI were Cecilia Vignoli, Administrative Assistant (15 Years); Vivian Chavez, South Dade Law Center Directing Attorney (10 Years); and Nancy Sutton, Legal Services of the Florida Keys Directing Attorney, Monica Vigues-Pitan, Co-Senior Employment and Economic Security Attorney, and Oxana Cardini, Controller (5 Years).

LSGMI, the largest provider of broad based civil legal services for the poor in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, has provided free civil legal services since 1966 in the areas of housing, government benefits, special education, and community economic development. LSGMI's team of 30 attorneys address daily legal problems and systemic issues affecting the low income community. Special projects target vulnerable groups including children, people who are HIV positive, and the homeless. Women head 65% of the households served by LSGMI, and 26% are headed by seniors. Thirty-six percent of the household members are children, and 43% are the working poor.

LSGMI's main office is located at 3000 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 500 (305-576-0080). LSGMI has two regional offices which are located in South Dade at 10720 Caribbean Blvd, Suite 400 (305-232-9680), and in Key West at 1111 12th Street, Suite 203 (305-292-3566).