Does the thought of legal fees raise your blood pressure? Imagine how you would feel about it if you could hardly make ends meet. This is the need Garfield Legal Services aims to fill.

Garfield Legal Services was founded in 1982 with the assistance of the Colorado Bar Association. The GLS office is currently located in the Garfield County Courthouse in Suite 304, but will soon move down the hall of the same building to what were the Planning Department offices.

Cheryl Hurst Page began her association with Garfield Legal Services in 1988. Before working at GLS, she worked for Garfield Youth Services (now YouthZone) for five years, and as a bond commissioner for Garfield County. Her experience in the civil and criminal fields led to her work at GLS.

“Our biggest challenge is trying to meet the civil legal needs of the indigent population on such a limited budget,” said Hurst Page.

“We need more staff and volunteers to keep up with all of the clients. We do receive some government funding and it is always at risk of being cut, but we have not been cut this year,” she said. “We anticipate some cuts in the next year due to senior services and our pro bono funding.”

Over 800 clients have been served by Garfield Legal Services this year. Twenty-five percent of those clients have been Latinos. Jennie Quevedo is the bilingual case manager, and is very fluent in Spanish and cultural differences.

The Tuesday Night Bar is held the third Tuesday of each month, alternating between Glenwood Springs and Rifle. It begins at 6:30 p.m., providing 15-minute private consultations with volunteer attorneys on civil legal issues. A $10 donation is requested, but GLS never turns anyone away if that request cannot be filled.

The Do It Yourself Divorce class is held on the third Thursday of each month in Room 402 of the courthouse in Glenwood Springs. Nearly 80 percent of all people filing for divorce do so without attorneys. This class provides instruction in the legal process of divorce, and understanding the forms to file with the court. Pre-registration is required, and the course is offered in a bilingual presentation.

Garfield Legal Services has an open intake on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone can call or walk in to apply for services. Appointments are made for days other than Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Executive Director: Cheryl Hurst Page

Phone: 945-8858

Mission: To empower and educate the disadvantaged to access justice through the civil legal system.

Tuesday Night Bar: held third Tuesday evenings, alternating between Glenwood Springs and Rifle.

Do It Yourself Divorce Class: third Thursday of each month in the Garfield County Courthouse, room 402, Glenwood Springs.