Flint, Michigan – Inside the 7th Circuit Courthouse in downtown Flint, Genesee County’s Legal Resource Center has become an important stop for residents trying to make sense of complicated legal problems.
As the county marks National County Government Month, officials are pointing to the center as one of the clearest examples of how local government can directly help people through difficult moments.
The center’s role is both practical and personal. It offers free legal information, help with court forms, and referrals to trusted community partners, giving residents a clearer path through a system that often feels confusing and intimidating.
In 2025 alone, the Legal Resource Center assisted more than 6,000 Genesee County residents, serving as a starting point for individuals and families looking for answers, support, and a way forward.
For many who walk through its doors, the help goes beyond paperwork. The center is designed to make the court system feel more accessible and less overwhelming, especially for people who may be facing legal issues without knowing where to begin.
County leaders say that mission reflects a broader commitment to making sure every resident has access to guidance, regardless of income, education, or background.
“Legal issues can be overwhelming, especially for residents who may not know where to turn or who cannot easily access the resources they need,” said Rachel Hawrylo, Director of the Legal Resource Center.
“We are here to make sure people in Genesee County have a place to find reliable information, practical support, and connections to services that they might not even know exist.”
The center also stands out for its size and the breadth of its reach. Genesee County says it is the largest self-help center of its kind in Michigan by square footage, giving it the capacity to serve as a central hub for legal information and community support.
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That work is reinforced through partnerships with organizations including the YWCA, Friend of the Court, the Genesee County Department of Senior Services, and Legal Services of Eastern Michigan.
The momentum behind the center has continued to build. Last fall, more than 150 staff members and community supporters gathered for the Legal Resource Center’s grand reopening, marking the unveiling of a fully renovated space on the courthouse’s second floor.
The updated facility underscored the county’s investment in a service built to meet people where they are.
As Genesee County reflects on the programs that shape everyday life, the Legal Resource Center stands as a strong example of public service in action, a place focused not only on legal access, but on restoring confidence and stability for the people it serves.