The Michigan State Bar Foundation recently made a $5,000 grant from the Access to Justice (ATJ) Fund to First Step, Western Wayne County's project on domestic and sexual violence. The money will be used for computer equipment, software and to enhance First Step's pro bono program.

"The Michigan State Bar Foundation grant allows us to maintain and expand our pro bono pool, training evaluations, record keeping, case assessment and research capabilities," said Carol Eggan, legal advocacy and pro bono coordinator at First Step. "Ultimately, victims of domestic and sexual violence will have access to legal services. In many cases, the only alternative for victims has been to return to violent but financially stable circumstances."

A total of $45,000 in grant money from the Access to Justice Fund was awarded in September to various agencies to improve outreach and civil legal services to poor Michigan residents who face problems like loss of housing, access to health care, family violence and consumer scams. These grants were made possible through contributions from lawyers, judges and others to the ATJ Campaign. To donate to the ATJ Fund, please visit www.atjfund.org or call 1-800-968-1442.