The Help Centre and Northumberland Community Legal Centre (partner agencies of The Help and Legal Centre of Northumberland) are pleased to announce the launch of Equal Step: Supporting Equity Through Legal Education & Navigation, a two-year initiative funded with $204,000 from the Law Foundation of Ontario. This program strengthens access to justice for vulnerable residents, with a priority focus on seniors and survivors of domestic violence.
Access to justice begins with awareness of legal rights and potential issues but also requires the ability to
overcome barriers such as technology challenges, lack of government identification documents, complex
systems, and unstable life circumstances. Equal Step supports individuals to navigate legal processes,
complete forms, access benefits, and connect to programs that prevent situations from escalating or
compounding.
Equal Step delivers a coordinated, community-based model combining legal education, legal system
navigation, and wraparound supports. Clients will receive plain-language information, assistance with
applications and documentation, guidance through legal processes, as well as facilitated referrals to legal
and social services. This new program is in response to the growing complexity of legal challenges faced
by low-income and vulnerable residents.
“Equal Step represents a powerful evolution in how we support individuals who feel overwhelmed or
excluded from the legal system,” said Kim Lauder, Executive Director of The Help Centre. “This funding
allows us to build a seamless bridge between legal knowledge and real-world action, ensuring clients are
not navigating these systems alone. It is about dignity, equity, and restoring confidence.”
The program will serve communities across Northumberland County, including Campbellford, Bewdley,
Alderville, and Brighton, reducing referral fatigue and strengthening long-term stability.
“Equal Step significantly enhances our ability to respond to increasing legal needs,” said Lois Cromarty,
Executive Director of Northumberland Community Legal Centre. “By working in close partnership with The Help Centre, we are delivering a holistic, trauma-informed approach that removes barriers and supports clients to move forward with clarity and confidence.”
The program will run from October 2025 to October 2027, with a focus on empowerment, navigation, and sustainable access to equitable legal services.
About The Help Centre
The Help Centre is a not-for-profit agency supporting low-income and vulnerable residents of Northumberland County through housing, income, and crisis advocacy services.
About Northumberland Community Legal Centre
Northumberland Community Legal Centre, a community legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario, provides accessible legal information, advice, and advocacy to low-income residents across Northumberland County.
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