LSE was created in 1974 when it became an option for states that wished to do so to use a portion of their Older Americans Act (“OAA”) (Title IIIB) funds to provide elder legal services. When this new source of funding became available, Maine’s Commission on Aging (this Commission no longer exists) took the position that older Mainers would be best served by a single, dedicated statewide legal services provider. It was believed this would lead to the development of the technical expertise needed to meet the unique legal needs of older Mainers and to more efficient use of the limited available resources. We started with only one attorney who traveled the state and was supported by volunteer paralegals located at the five area agencies on aging.
To learn more about LSE’s history, watch the 40th Anniversary video:
