iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

For 60 years, CLS has been all in for justice! If you're in too, celebrate with us on November 5th. Buy your ticket today: clsat60.eventbrite.com

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

CLS’s Medical-Legal Partnership brings legal aid directly to communities across the city, making it easier to help people who are already visiting their trusted healthcare provider. CLS Attorney Andrew Yang explains how it works, and where you can find us!

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

We had to use this scene from John Oliver’s recent appearance on Days of Our Lives to share the good news about an important settlement in a federal lawsuit against Cleveland Water for discrimination.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

We're hiring a Managing Attorney for our Energy Unit—a team helping ensure low-income Philadelphians have access to affordable utilities. The role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team while working on direct representation, litigation, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

CLS is looking for an inspiring Managing Attorney to lead our Energy Unit—a team doing innovative work to help ensure low-income Philadelphians have access to affordable water, heat, and electricity. The role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team while working on direct representation, litigation, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced attorney who is passionate about public interest, racial and economic justice, and meaningful systemic change.

Ready to lead, advocate, and make an impact? ⚡ Apply at clsphila.org/careers

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Preparing for our Netflix documentary about the right to safe and healthy housing

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Want to follow in LeBron’s footsteps and join a great team? We’re hiring for a number of roles! Apply at clsphila.org/careers (Welcome to Philly, LeBron!)

Smiling through it all! Can't believe... CLS is hiring clsphila.org/careers

LeBron James meme

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Pam Walz, Supervising Attorney in the Health & Independence Unit, has spent the last 36 years working with clients to help them access essential benefits. For our 60th Anniversary, Pam shares that the work she does at CLS is exactly what she set out to do when she went to law school.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

PA SNAP recipients are one step closer to more secure cards! The latest state budget includes money to switch EBT cards to chips cards, which are far more secure than the current swipe cards. This change will help prevent millions of SNAP dollars from being stolen through skimming devices.

inquirer.com

New Jersey and Pennsylvania move forward on chip cards for SNAP benefits to prevent theft

In Pennsylvania, there were at least 5,100 skimming cases in the first five months of 2026, accounting for $2.5 million in stolen benefits.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

It's easier than ever to get FREE legal help from CLS! 👋 We recently expanded our intake hours so we can better serve you. Visit clsphila.org/help for the full list of legal issues we help with and how to get in touch!

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Ben Clark is an Attorney & Equal Justice Works Fellow. His fellowship project aims to increase access to programs that help low-income Philadelphians get critical repair work done to make their homes more climate resilient, helping lower utility costs, keeping families safe & comfortable year-round.

youtube.com

CLS Fellowship Spotlight: Ben Clark

YouTube video by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Dennisse Bones-Santiago, Senior Paralegal in our Intake Unit, has been with CLS for nearly thirty years. For our 60th Anniversary, Dennisse reflects on her surprising start at CLS, why she stayed, and an important moment from her career. #CLSat60

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

On May 4, 1966, Judge Raymond Pace Alexander granted CLS's charter, and our fight for justice began. For 60 years, CLS's cutting-edge advocacy and life-changing legal representation have helped millions of families access justice.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Happy Law Day and International Workers’ Day! CLS Employment Attorney Mariel Mussack shares some information about the Fair Work Week Law and some recent big wins for Philly workers under the law. Watch this video and visit our website to learn how to get legal help from CLS. clsphila.org/help

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Next Monday, May 4th, is CLS’s 60th birthday! As we get ready for the big 6-0, we’re kicking off the festivities by resharing last year’s 59th birthday video, featuring many of our staff reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the future. youtube.com/shorts/02LVX...

youtube.com

Happy 59th Birthday CLS!

YouTube video by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

If you have Federal Student Loans and enrolled in the SAVE repayment plan, starting July 1, 2026, you will have about 90 days to switch to a different repayment plan, or you will be automatically placed in standard repayment. share.inquirer.com/XAahi1

share.inquirer.com

Biden-era SAVE student loan repayment plan has officially ended. Here’s what you need to know.

Switch repayment plans or you’ll automatically be enrolled in one.

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Reposted by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

Philadelphia Inquirer @inquirer.com · 08/04/2026

Switch repayment plans or you’ll automatically be enrolled in one.

inquirer.com

Biden-era SAVE student loan repayment plan has officially ended. Here’s what you need to know.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

If you have any Parent PLUS loans, you must consolidate them into a Direct Consolidation Loan before July 1, otherwise you will lose your right to income-drive repayment & payments as low as $0 per month. CLS Attorney Tamar Hoffman spoke with NBC10 www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video/news/n...

nbcphiladelphia.com

New rules for parents who borrowed student loans on behalf of their children

There’s a deadline approaching that can impact parents who borrowed student loans on behalf of their children. NBC10’s Lauren Mayk explain the changes in repayment options.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

If you have federal student loans: Take action now to protect your income and your rights! Federal student loans are changing. If you have federal student loans that you took out for yourself or for your child's education, here are four updates you need to know. ⬇️

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

We were honored to attend the unveiling of Governor Josh Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan, which aims to help increase access to housing for more Pennsylvanians through supports and protections including eviction prevention measures and eviction record sealing for people who were never legally evicted.

Governor Josh Shapiro speaking at a podium that says "Building More Affordable Housing, Philadelphia, PA" on the front

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

2026 marks a big milestone for Philadelphia… Community Legal Services' 60th anniversary! All year long we’ll be reflecting on the last 60 years of increasing access to justice and celebrating the exceptional legal work from our staff and alumni.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Congratulations to CLS Litigation Director, Sharon Dietrich, who retired at the end of January after 38 years at CLS! Sharon has truly had one of the most impactful legal services careers in history.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

CLS was proud to support this case and happy to see a strong decision from the Third Circuit defending the rights of people with criminal records. This article also highlights our work to expand local protections for people with records here in Philadelphia. www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/p...

inquirer.com

Pa. employers can’t reject job applicants who disclose their criminal history, court rules

A Philly truck driver shared his 15-year-old armed robbery conviction in a job interview. Central Trucking rejected him on the spot. That's not allowed, according to Judge Stephanos Bibas' opinion.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

CLS's Family Advocacy Unit provides resources & services to families affected by the child welfare system, with the goal of keeping them safe & together. This support ensures all parents have what they need for their children to thrive. Archana Prabhakar is an Attorney & Equal Justice Works Fellow.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

CLS is proud to share that Vik Patel, Managing Attorney of our Energy Unit, was just elected Vice Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association & will become Chancellor in 2028. CLS was founded as part of a Bar Association initiative & we're grateful for our long history of collaborative advocacy.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

CLS recently hosted a training for our clients about the new SNAP work requirements, how to appeal a cutoff notice, and how eligible people can get an exemption. Learn from one of our incredible experts, Attorney Mackenzie Libbey, everything you need to know! youtu.be/xshKFppSHv8

youtu.be

How to Keep Your SNAP Under Work Requirements

YouTube video by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Thank you Nydia Han and 6 ABC Action News for sharing this important information for SNAP recipients, featuring Managing Attorney Lydia Gottesfeld! If you received a cutoff notice in the mail, you should appeal right away, even if the deadline has passed because of mail delays!

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Hillary Shah is a CLS Employment Attorney and Independence Foundation Fellow. For her fellowship project, Hillary works to help pregnant & parenting people in the workplace, from maintaining income, to seeking accommodations related to pregnancy and parenting, to discrimination they may be facing.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

CLS was recognized by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health on World AIDS Day this past Monday, receiving a Philly Keep On Loving Community Heart Legacy Award for our work connecting individuals living with HIV to resources.

CLS Attorney Kadeem Morris accepts an honor on behalf of CLS, posing with other honorees at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's World AIDS Day ceremony.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

This week, Divisional Supervising Attorney Kate Dugan testified in City Council to support a bill introduced by Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson that will allow the city to provide refunds to victims of deed fraud.

CLS Attorneys Michael Froehlich and Kate Dugan, CLS client Vincent Gilliam, and Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson pose together in City Council chambers.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Community Legal Services works year-round to make sure everyone can access justice. CLS helps to meet our neighbors' most urgent needs, helping our city—and all of us—thrive.

I stand for access, fairness, opportunity, and justice. I stand with CLS. Visit www.CLSphila.org/give to make your gift today. Giving Tuesday.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

This week, our Family Advocacy Unit is celebrating the recent reunifications of multiple families, just in time for them to spend the holiday season together!

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

We’re celebrating the accomplishments of the Eviction Diversion Program in Philadelphia over the past five years! CLS helped implement the program, and we continue to provide trainings, technical expertise, and support to the housing counselors in the program.

Written in balloons with a celebratory banner, Happy 5 Years EDP! Take a look at what Philadelphia's Eviction Diversion Program has accomplished over the past 5 years!

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Attention Philadelphia homeowners—especially low-income homeowners! There's a lot of info going around on TikTok & elsewhere that might not be right for you. Rachel Gallegos from our Homeownership & Consumer Rights Unit discusses why a will is probably a better idea than a trust for most homeowners.

youtube.com

You Probably Need a Will Not a Trust!

YouTube video by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Congratulations to CLS attorney Louise Hayes on winning the Philadelphia Bar Foundation award! Louise is a nationally recognized SNAP expert and has represented 2,000+ clients so they & their families can access & maintain a range of public benefits including SNAP, Medicaid & TANF cash assistance.

Group photo of CLS staff celebrating Louise Hayes's award.

Group photo of Executive Director Debby Freedman and former Executive Director Cathy Carr celebrating Louise Hayes's award.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Last month at the NLADA Conference, Supervising Attorney in the SSI Unit and Language Access Project Chi-Ser Tran presented on a panel called “Walking the Talk: Advancing Language Justice in Legal Services Organizations – Ethical Imperatives in a Changing Landscape.”

The panelists pose for a photo. Mary Welch, Northwest Justice Project; Marilyn Lovo, Ayuda; Chi-Ser Tran, Community Legal Services; Jailine Aparicio, Maryland Legal Aid

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Reposted by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

economicarch.bsky.social @economicarch.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

In this podcast, host Stuart Yasgur and Sharon Dietrich discuss Clean Slate laws, from their key role in making Fair Chance Hiring practices more equitable, to how automating the process of clearing records alleviates the burden on individuals. 🎧 economicarchitectureproject.org/2025/11/12/f...

economicarchitectureproject.org

How can a “clean slate” offer a fair chance? [Fair Chance Hiring Series | Episode 3]

In this podcast, Sharon Dietrich walks through Clean Slate laws, which make Fair Chance Hiring practices more equitable.

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Reposted by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA @legalaidsepa.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

NLADA conference Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2025 has focused on emerging issues in civil legal aid, public defense & public interest law, & on strengthening strategies to meet legal needs of low-income individuals & families. #NLADA25 @nlada.bsky.social @clsphila.bsky.social @palegalaidnetwork.bsky.social

From left: Debby Freedman, Executive Director of Community Legal Services of Philadelphia; Lori Molloy, Executive Director of North Penn Legal Services (NPLS); Meredith Rapkin, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc.; and Shawn Boeheringer, Executive Director of Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP).

Shawn Boehringer; Carolyn Johnson, LASP Chief Counsel; Laurel Anderson, LASP Community Engagement Unit Supervising Attorney; and Richard A.J. Prebil, LASP Veterans Advocacy Project Supervising Attorney.

Kesha James, Executive Director of the Management Information Exchange (MIE), with Shawn Boehringer. Kesha is also a member of LASP's Board of Directors and a LASP alumna.

Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. staff and alum.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

The @phillybarassoc.bsky.social Bar Reporter has a special #probonospotlight this week! Click through to read about Lanique Roberts's path to CLS's Justice Rising Advocates and her reflections on volunteering at our Clean Slate Clinics. philadelphiabar.org?pg=ThePhilad...

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

TODAY is the deadline to apply for the Low Income Tax Freeze and Senior Citizen Tax Freeze!

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! We are proud to share this article, written by CLS Alum Ray Alvarez, about how La Liga del Barrio is preventing youth violence in Philadelphia. La Liga was founded by Ray & CLS paralegal Esther Alvarez 25 years ago. share.inquirer.com/srexTR

share.inquirer.com

How do we keep our kids safe? For 25 years, one answer has come from an unlikely place. | Opinion

Twenty-five years after the phone call that triggered its creation, La Liga is the city’s longest-running Latino youth sports league, serving more than 18,000 children and helping to keep them safe.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Starting in October 2025, the Pennsylvania Prison Society is offering safe, affordable bus rides from Philadelphia to four state prisons — SCI Benner, SCI Frackville, SCI Mahanoy, and SCI Muncy. Visits to these institutions are critical to keeping families together, including CLS clients.

Pennsylvania Prison Society

Affordable Rides to Pennsylvania State Correctional Facilities Starting October 2025

Visits Matter

Seeing your loved one face-to-face can mean everything. That’s why we offer low-cost, reliable bus rides from Philadelphia to four state prisons—SCI Benner, SCI Frackville, SCI Manahoy, and SCI Muncy—to help families stay connected. When you ride with us, you can expect: Low-cost tickets; Comfortable, safe rides; Visiting slots guaranteed on your travel day—no separate Keystone booking.

Purchase tickets here: www.prisonsociety.org/services/transportation

Get in touch: 215-564-4775, helpline@prisonsociety.org

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Just because the Eagles won at the last minute yesterday (literally!) doesn't mean you should wait to apply for the Low Income Tax Freeze and Senior Citizen Tax Freeze. Applications are due September 30th!

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Apply for the Low Income Tax Freeze and Senior Citizen Tax Freeze by September 30th! Thank you to Monty Wilson and Rachel Gallegos, Attorneys in the Homeownership & Consumer Rights Unit, for spreading the word. Go Birds. youtube.com/shorts/cncpi...

youtube.com

Apply for the Low Income Tax Freeze and Senior Citizen Tax Freese by September 30th!

YouTube video by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Applications are now open for our summer law student internship program! Interns will receive exceptional training and the opportunity to work with some of the most talented legal minds in civil legal services. Learn more about the internship and apply at clsphila.org/careers.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Thank you to Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for hosting a Wills Workshop with us last week, in collaboration with Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. and the City of Philadelphia Register of Wills.

Mira Sydow presenting to a room of people.

Mira Sydow posing for a photo with Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Thank you to Councilmembers Rue Landau and Nina Ahmad for hosting us for a constituent services training session about helping Philadelphians navigate the new SNAP work requirements.

Lydia Gottesfeld, Councilmember Rue Landau, Maripat Pileggi, Louise Hayes, and Debby Freedman pose for a group photo in front of the training session slideshow.

Group of people sitting and standing around a conference room table for the SNAP changes training session.

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Community Legal Services of Philadelphia @clsphila.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Find out if you may able to get your record cleared to open the door to new employment opportunities! Check out mycleanslatepa.org If your record can’t be sealed and you need to apply for a pardon, there’s good news! The Board of Pardons recently launched a new, easy, online application: bop.pa.gov

Graphic of an internet browser window. The search bar says: clear my record. The text in the window says: Find out if you may be able to get your record cleared to open the door to new employment opportunities! Get started: mycleanslatepa.com. If you rrecord can’t be sealed and you need to apply for a pardon, there’s good news! The Board of Pardons recently launched a new, easy, online application on their website: bop.pa.gov

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Reposted by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network @palegalaidnetwork.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

New SNAP rules start in September! Most adults must now work 20+ hours/week to stay on SNAP unless exempt. Those who aren’t exempt or don’t meet the requirement can only get 3 months of SNAP every 3 years. Need help? Check out this guide from @clsphila.bsky.social: clsphila.org/SNAPchanges

This is an informational graphic with a white background. At the top, the outline of a lightbulb appears in dark blue with light blue rays shining outward. Below it, large dark blue text reads “RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT,” followed by a thin horizontal blue line and the text “New SNAP Requirements.” The logos for Community Legal Services of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network are centered at the bottom.

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