The non-profit organization aims to help educate Calgarians about justice, legal support

A new non-profit organization that helps people learn more about the justice system and legal issues and access support and resources is preparing to open its doors in Calgary.

The ABC Foundation held an event on Saturday morning to launch the initiative.

“We understand that the resources available now are lacking. And there are some barriers in existing institutions that don't allow these people to have that kind of access,” said Angelina Lal, Founding Director of the ABC Foundation.

“So looking at those barriers, we're trying to fill those gaps.”

According to Lal, the ABC Foundation envisions a future where Canadians have the tools and resources to handle any legal situation.

“We're going to be doing a “Where to Find a Lawyer?'' within the next year in Calgary. We hope that no one will be like that. Or how do we deal with what's happening?'” he said.

“So our offices, that's our mandate, is to make sure that we don't turn anyone away and that everyone has access to justice or whatever other resources they may need.”

Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery was on hand Saturday morning to help open the fund.

“We know … there is much more to justice than prisons and prosecutions. We want to make sure we support all the non-profit organizations and agencies in this province that are working to help address justice in a variety of ways,” he said.

The ABC Foundation will open its office to the public on Monday. The nonprofit hopes to help about 1,500 to 2,000 people in the next year.

Lal said empowering marginalized voices and helping vulnerable people is the focus of the organization regardless of any language or systemic barriers.

With files from Tyler Barrow of CTV News Calgary