Equal justice is one of the quality-of-life promises on which our nation is built, but it is meaningless if citizens lack technical legal assistance. Western Massachusetts Legal Services (WMLS) provides access to justice for disadvantaged people in Hampden, Hampshire, Berkshire and Franklin Counties. Typically WMLS handles health care, housing, safety, family and income issues. Staff attorneys solve problems by providing information and advice so that their clients understand their legal rights and responsibilities, and know how to secure their own rights. More extensive legal representation is provided when and as needed. WMLS helps working parents obtain the child care subsidies, health benefits and earned income tax credits to which they are entitled. It represents low-wage workers in appeals of improperly denied unemployment benefits, and in ensuring that employers comply with laws concerning minimum wage, overtime and non-payment of wages. WMLS depends on personal donations to make a difference in the lives of those struggling to make a living wage and support their families; their help often makes a crucial difference in meeting basic needs for food, shelter and medical care for children. This is a high return-on-investment charitable contribution.