Established in 1978, the Advocacy Center is a nonprofit corporation that is governed by a volunteer board of directors. It protects the rights of persons with mental and physical disabilities. The center also provides legal assistance to people residing in nursing homes in Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Tammany Parishes counties in Louisiana. In addition, the Advocacy Center offers legal representation, information, referral and community outreach services. It provides various educational and training programs. The center manages a staff of more than 60 professionals, including lawyers, paralegals, advocates, ombudsmen, case managers, and support and administrative personnel. The Advocacy Center maintains a location in Baton Rouge, La.