Cynthia Elliott
After completing a nationwide search, The Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky (AppalRed) has selected Cynthia Elliott as its new
Executive Director, making her the first-ever African-American leader of a Kentucky legal services program.
Elliott led AppalReD�s Breathitt County office from 1990 to 2001 before going to work for Kentucky�s Department
of Public Advocacy. She later served as Managing Attorney for Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, a non-LSC
funded legal services program serving 32 northwest and western Ohio counties.
About AppalReD
AppalReD is committed to positively impacting and improving the lives of individuals and families we serve.
Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky, Inc. (AppalReD Legal Aid) is a private non-profit law firm which provides
free civil legal representation in a region of more than 225,000 people living in poverty. We are the largest legal aid
organization in Kentucky and serve a 37 county region in the Appalachian mountains of Eastern and South
Central Kentucky. We are funded by federal, state, local, and private monies. AppalReD's continued representation of the
poverty stricken population has provided significant benefits to the communities.
AppalReD helps approximately 6000 clients each year and charges no fees. However, a client might have to pay court costs.
AppalReD is funded by federal, state and local funds and private donations. In some cases, services may be provided by a private attorney
who has volunteered their time or who has contracted with AppalReD to provide services on a reduced fee.
AppalReD's primary focus is to assist in obtaining the basic necessities of life, i.e., income, adequate food and health care; decent, safe,
and sanitary housing, and the protection of assets; guarding the rights of children and the protection
of family members from violence and abuse. The general area of focus falls under the priorities of maintaining economic stability;
ensuring safety, stability and health; preserving the home and protecting populations with special vulnerabilities.
For additional information, please read our brochure.
Also available in Spanish.
