Advocates For Basic Legal Equality Inc

Toledo, OH · Founded 1969

Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in western Ohio

Primary audience
Low-income individuals
Work area
Legal services
Topic
Civil legal aid
Contact
Heather L Hall
Website Contact

About Organization

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) is a nonprofit law firm that provides high-quality civil legal services to help eligible low-income individuals and groups in western Ohio achieve self-reliance, equal justice, and economic opportunity. Based in Toledo, OH, the organization was founded in 1969 and operates with 103 employees and 25 volunteers. In 2024, ABLE generated $14.3 million in revenue to support its legal aid programs.

What They Focus On

Access to Justice

Ensuring low-income individuals have access to quality legal representation in civil matters affecting their basic needs and rights

Economic Opportunity

Helping clients achieve financial stability and self-reliance through legal interventions in housing, employment, and benefits disputes

Systemic Advocacy

Addressing root causes of inequity through policy advocacy, community education, and campaigns to expand legal aid access

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$14.3M

+10% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$11.7M

+11.8% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$17.4M

+12.5% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

103

+12% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $14,264,636 $11,732,867 $17,391,584 103
2023 $12,969,979 $10,498,491 $15,465,415 92
2022 $10,893,888 $8,288,083 $12,633,893 91
2020 $8,442,497 $7,918,395 $7,297,240 79
2019 $8,883,420 $8,525,390 $7,600,197 80
2018 $8,050,443 $7,765,268 $7,465,155 75

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Client Intake

    Screen eligible low-income individuals and assess their civil legal needs through intake process

  • 02

    Legal Assessment

    Staff attorneys evaluate cases and develop legal strategies to address client issues

  • 03

    Representation

    Provide direct legal services including negotiation, mediation, and court representation when needed

  • 04

    Advocacy & Education

    Engage in systemic advocacy and community education to prevent future legal problems

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Advocates For Basic Legal Equality Inc

Civil Legal Services

Free legal representation in civil matters including housing, family law, benefits, and consumer protection cases for low-income clients

Immigration Advocacy

Legal assistance and advocacy for immigrants navigating immigration law, asylum applications, and naturalization processes

Ombudsman Services

Independent advocacy and problem resolution for individuals facing issues with government agencies and public systems

Justice for All Campaign

Systemic advocacy initiatives to expand access to civil legal aid for underserved communities across Ohio

Mothers Health Equity Program

Legal support and resources for mothers addressing health equity, resilience, and stability challenges

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Advocates For Basic Legal Equality Inc.

HL

Heather L Hall

Deputy Director
Full-time
Compensation: $147,336
MM

Makiedah Messam

Executive Director (From 3/24)
Full-time
Compensation: $134,613
NI

Nikoleta I Cook

Director Of Finance
Full-time
Compensation: $127,549
JH

Janet Hales

Former Executive Director
2 hrs/week
Compensation: $97,000
CA

Cassandra Andres

President
2 hrs/week
KH

Khadijah H Ali

Vice President
2 hrs/week
RT

Robert Tucker

Vice President
2 hrs/week
JS

Jesus Salas

Managing Attorney (Thru 12/24)
Full-time
Compensation: $132,999
MH

Mark Heller

Senior Attorney
Full-time
Compensation: $120,397
MN

Matthew N Currie

Managing Attorney
Full-time
Compensation: $119,364
RS

Rebecca Steinhauser

Managing Attorney
Full-time
Compensation: $115,717
KC

Kathleen C Kersh

Managing Attorney
Full-time
Compensation: $108,268

Milestones

1969

Organization Founded

1969

ABLE established to provide civil legal aid to low-income residents in western Ohio

1974

IRS Tax-Exempt Status

1974

Received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status recognition from the Internal Revenue Service

2020

Post-Pandemic Growth

2020

Revenue increased from $8.4 million to $14.3 million over four years

2024

Leadership Transition

2024

Makiedah Messam appointed as Executive Director in March

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AL
Alex Lavelle Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
AD
Amanda Davis Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
AD
Andrea De La Roca Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
AD
Anna Delp Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
BE
Brandon E Dobyns Treasurer 1.50 hrs/week
CC
Carasusana Cara Wall Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
CB
Catherine Bitwayiki Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
CC
Clayton Crates Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
EW
Ethel Washington-Harris Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
EM
Eve Mitro Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
HL
Heather L Allred Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
JS
James Stahler Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
JF
John F Hall Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
JJ
Jordan Jennings Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
KL
Kari L White Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
KA
Kathryn A Watson Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
LP
Lindsey Posey Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
MZ
Mechelle Zarou Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
ND
Nathan D Turner Secretary 1.50 hrs/week
SH
Saundra Holmes Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
TJ
Thomas J Lucente Jr Trustee 1.50 hrs/week
TR
Twila R Ferguson Trustee 1.50 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$1.2M

Highest Paid

$174K

Heather L Hall

Compensated Officers

9

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Heather L Hall Deputy Director $147,336 $27,128 $174,464 48
Nikoleta I Cook Director Of Finance $127,549 $24,006 $151,555 40
Makiedah Messam Executive Director (From 3/24) $134,613 $13,661 $148,274 42
Kathleen C Kersh Managing Attorney $108,268 $34,173 $142,441 42
Jesus Salas Managing Attorney (Thru 12/24) $132,999 $7,277 $140,276 38
Rebecca Steinhauser Managing Attorney $115,717 $15,775 $131,492 44
Mark Heller Senior Attorney $120,397 $6,588 $126,985 41
Matthew N Currie Managing Attorney $119,364 $6,532 $125,896 36
Janet Hales Former Executive Director $97,000 — $97,000 1.5

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$800 Total Given
Democratic $800 (100%)
4 Contributions
$200 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

1 Individual Donor
KJ
Kara Jennings 4 contributions • $200 avg
$800

Quick Insights

🏆
Most Active Donor Kara Jennings with 4 contributions
💰
Highest Avg per Contribution Kara Jennings at $200 each
🎯
Top Recipient ACTBLUE — $400

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$2.2M

Total Forgiven

$2.2M

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

123

Loan Details 2 loans

$1,075,600
Forgiven
Forgiven: $1,082,496 100%
Approved Apr 10, 2020
Lender KeyBank National Association
Jobs Reported 66
Forgiven On Dec 4, 2020
$1,075,000
Forgiven
Forgiven: $1,082,157 100%
Approved Feb 13, 2021
Lender KeyBank National Association
Jobs Reported 57
Forgiven On Nov 16, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$1.6M Grants Received
$1.8M Grants Given
9 Organizations

Top Funders

8 total
OA
Ohio Access to Justice Foundation
$1.3M
PF
Promedica Foundation
$75K
UW
United Way Of Greater Toledo
$51K
TC
Toledo Community Foundation Inc.
$50K
LA
Legal Aid Of Western Ohio Inc.
$42K
P
Psa 3 Agency On Aging
$26K
WS
WPCU Sunshine Community Fund
$10K
TS
The Springfield Foundation
$10K

Top Grantees

1 total
LA
Legal Aid Of Western Ohio Inc. TOLEDO, OH
$1.8M
Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Promedica Foundation United Way Of Greater Toledo Toledo Community Foundation Inc. Legal Aid Of Western Ohio Inc. Psa 3 Agency On Aging WPCU Sunshine Community Fund The Springfield Foundation
Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Promedica Foundation United Way Of Greater Toledo Toledo Community Foundation Inc. Legal Aid Of Western Ohio Inc. Psa 3 Agency On Aging WPCU Sunshine Community Fund The Springfield Foundation

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Related Organizations

2 affiliated entities reported on IRS Form 990 Schedule R

2

Tax-Exempt Affiliates

2
Legal Aid Foundation Of Western Ohio Inc
Toledo, OH
Support Advocates For Basic Legal Equality, Inc.
501(c) 501(C)(3)
Legal Aid Of Western Ohio Inc
Toledo, OH
Free Legal Assistance
501(c) 501(C)(3)

Source: IRS Form 990, Schedule R (Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships)

Federal Funding

Government awards and grants from USAspending.gov

$1,000K Total Obligated
$1,000K Total Amount
1 Awards
1 Agency

Awards

Agency Award ID Type Period Amount
HUD EP-21-OH-003 PROJECT GRANT (B) 2022-2025 $999,990

Source: USAspending.gov. Amounts represent total federal obligations.

Contact

Get in touch with Advocates For Basic Legal Equality Inc

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(419) 930-2511

Social

Visit Website
525 Jefferson Ave 300 Toledo, OH 43604