(AUGUSTA, GA, October 2007) - The Augusta Regional Office of the Georgia Legal Services Program honored its pro bono lawyers and donors during its annual "You Make a Difference" awards luncheon held Friday, October 12, 2007 at the historic Pullman Hall in Augusta. The Honorable John H. Ruffin, Jr. from the Georgia Court of Appeals was the keynote speaker. Judge Ruffin was introduced by the Honorable Pamela James Doumar from the Augusta Judicial Circuit Juvenile Court. Among those honored at the event was local attorney Alice W. Padgett, who was awarded Pro Bono Attorney of the Year. Judge Pamela Doumar was recognized for her outstanding work as a former board member and past president of the Georgia Legal Services Program. The event was well attended by several dozen lawyers and judges.

"Our pro bono lawyers and donors help us meet critical needs that would not otherwise be addressed," says Kenneth Jones, managing attorney for the Augusta Regional Office. Attorney Jones adds, "Here in Augusta we have a special focus on serving relative caregivers and children with special education services or who face disciplinary actions. We also preserve housing for families and senior citizens, secure access to health care, protect people from domestic violence and abuse, and represent people with limited English language ability to ensure protection of their rights."

The Augusta Regional Office offers free legal services to low-income residents in the counties of Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock (seniors only), Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, and Wilkes whose incomes are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Executive Director Phyllis Holmen states, "Our work changes lives and impacts our communities. We give a voice to Georgia residents who are not heard by the legal system."

For further information on the Augusta Regional Office of the Georgia Legal Services Program, call 1-800-248-6697 or 706-721-2320 or log onto www.glsp.org.