When a legal issue can be a tipping point between stability and crisis, access to support is paramount. CUPS is deeply appreciative of our partnership with the University of Calgary’s Student Legal Assistance program, which has been serving our community for over four decades. Through this program, these dedicated students offer free legal advice and representation to low-income residents.

However, sometimes the complexities of legal challenges surpass the expertise of students. At CUPS, we are fortunate to have additional support from community partners such as Michael Oykhman at Strategic Criminal Defence, a criminal defence law firm in Calgary, who generously provides pro bono services. This support bridges the gap for clients who have made significant progress but now face legal obstacles that threaten their hard-won stability.

Mitigating the risks

For many vulnerable individuals and families that CUPS supports, employment and housing can be precarious. They are living paycheck to paycheck and barely making ends meet. When there is a legal issue, getting expert-level assistance early on can mean the difference between maintaining a job and a stable home or spiraling into a cycle of uncertainty and vulnerability.

Even if a legal issue doesn’t directly affect an individual’s employment, the financial burden of legal assistance is undeniable and can be a significant barrier for people to seek the support they need. For those already facing economic challenges, the prospect of hiring an attorney can feel like an insurmountable hurdle. 

The value of partnerships

Michael Oykhman has been an advocate for CUPS clients for half a dozen years, providing crucial legal support to clients in need. By partnering with legal experts like Michael, CUPS is able to redirect financial resources towards our core programs and services, continuing to action our mission to support vulnerable individuals and families.

In a world of legal challenges, the power of this support cannot be overstated. For many clients, the prospect of losing their job and housing stability is a looming nightmare. The unwavering support from our community is what consistently bridges the gap in care, providing assistance to clients who have made progress but require help to overcome significant legal hurdles.

This underscores the power of collective strength, demonstrating that as a community, we can bring lasting change to the lives of those who are facing adversity.