The DC Bar Foundation continues to prioritize collaboration both internally and externally to help transform access to justice for all District residents. In the pages ahead, you will read more about the work we accomplished in FY24, but we want to highlight some of our key moments.  

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To start, we hit a significant milestone with Coordinated Intake and Referral (CIR) when we launched the pilot in June 2024. Once fully launched, the system will make it easier for DC residents to access legal aid. After decades of discussion within our community about a system of this nature, the Foundation spearheaded this project in 2020. Today, it stands as one of our most collaborative efforts to date, bringing together legal aid and key stakeholders from other sectors, DC residents, researchers, and technology experts. The evaluation data from the pilot will inform future decision-making as we prepare for a full launch in 2025. 

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In addition, the DC Social Justice Transformations Network (DCSJTN) celebrated its third year. Formerly known as the DC Legal Aid Transformations Network, a key benefit of the Network is that, since its founding, it has welcomed individuals and organizations from various sectors, including legal aid, social services, health services, government, and education. Members have the opportunity to make broader connections, build deeper relationships, and align their efforts in order to serve clients more efficiently and effectively. One Network member shared, “The Network remains a strong pillar for all of us, helping us navigate ongoing challenges while continuing our mission of advancing justice and equality. I am proud to be part of such an inspiring and impactful community in DC.”

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DCBF also held its inaugural DC Walk for Justice 5K. We welcomed more than 300 people to Nationals Park and raised over $162,000. While this was a fundraising event, it served as so much more. It was a family-friendly event filled with community-building and knowledge-sharing. With 41 law firms and 17 legal aid organizations participating, this event again proved that our partners and dedicated stakeholders are committed to an equitable justice system. 

 

These accomplishments would not have been possible without your support. We are grateful for the generous funding we receive from the District and the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants, the Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program revenue, and private donors. We deeply value our volunteers, community partners, and DC residents who continue to engage us as we build systems that support vulnerable communities. Thank you for joining us in this work.