Mobile legal services unit expands access to justice for disaster survivors and underserved South Carolinians
EASLEY, S.C. — South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) will officially debut its new mobile legal services unit, Liberty, at the final installment of the Pickens County Long-Term Recovery Group’s Disaster Workshop Series, “Recovery, Resilience and Healing: Supporting Communities After Disaster,” on Tuesday, August 25, at Easley Presbyterian Church.
The launch of Liberty marks a new chapter in South Carolina Legal Services’ efforts to expand access to civil legal aid, particularly in rural, underserved, and disaster-affected communities. As South Carolinians continue recovering from Hurricane Helene, many residents face legal challenges involving housing, insurance claims, FEMA appeals, replacement documents, and other issues that can complicate recovery. “Recovery doesn’t end when the immediate crisis is over,” said Betsy Goodale, SCLS’s Director of Private Attorney and Community Engagement. “Liberty allows us to bring legal help directly to communities when transportation, distance, and other barriers make access difficult.”
Making its public debut at the Recovery, Resilience and Healing: Supporting Communities After Disaster workshop, Liberty will serve as a mobile legal aid office, initially providing community education, legal clinics, outreach, and disaster-related legal assistance in the 28 counties affected by Hurricane Helene, and later becoming a crucial resource enabling SCLS to provide those services across South Carolina. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Justice Van and learn how mobile legal services can support long-term community recovery and resilience.
Event Details:
- What: Debut of Liberty, South Carolina Legal Services’ new mobile legal services van, following the Pickens County Long-Term Recovery Group’s final Disaster Workshop Series event, Recovery, Resilience and Healing: Supporting Communities After Disaster
- When: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Noon
- Where: Easley Presbyterian Church – 200 S. 1st Street – Easley, SC 29640
- Who: South Carolina Legal Services, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, businesses, government agencies, volunteers, disaster recovery partners, and community members interested in strengthening long-term disaster recovery and resilience efforts.
Why Attend:
- For the community: Learn how South Carolina Legal Services’ new mobile legal services van, Liberty, will bring free civil legal assistance directly to communities across the state, particularly those impacted by disasters and other barriers to accessing services. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the van, connect with local leaders and recovery partners, and gain insights into strengthening long-term resilience, recovery, and community well-being. To register for the workshop, visit https://www.uwpickens.org/disaster-workshops.
- For the press: Be among the first to see Liberty and learn how South Carolina Legal Services is expanding access to justice through mobile legal services. The event offers interview opportunities with SCLS leadership and community partners and highlights the role legal assistance plays in supporting disaster recovery and underserved communities throughout South Carolina.
Funding Acknowledgment:
Liberty was made possible through a grant provided by the American Red Cross. South Carolina Legal Services is grateful for the Red Cross’s support in helping expand access to civil legal services and disaster recovery assistance in communities across South Carolina.
About United Way Pickens County Long-Term Recovery Group:
The United Way Pickens County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) is a coalition of nonprofit organizations, faith communities, government agencies, businesses, and volunteers working together to help individuals and families recover from disasters. By coordinating resources, addressing unmet needs, and fostering community partnerships, the LTRG supports long-term recovery efforts and helps build stronger, more resilient communities throughout Pickens County.
About South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS):
SCLS is committed to offering free civil legal aid to eligible low-income South Carolinians, helping them navigate issues from housing and family law to public benefits and consumer protection (South Carolina Legal Services).
Media Invitation:
Local media are invited to attend the debut of Liberty, South Carolina Legal Services’ new mobile legal services van, made possible through support from the American Red Cross. The event offers opportunities to tour the mobile legal aid office, capture photos and video, and learn how mobile legal services can support disaster recovery and expand access to justice. To RSVP or request an interview, contact Taylor Ingles, Marketing & Communications Manager, at tayloringles@sclegal.org.
