VOLS is closely following the administration’s new executive action impacting asylum seekers at the southern border. We are dismayed that, for thousands of asylum seekers, the order only exacerbates an already traumatic and unimaginably difficult process. In positive news, the administration has expanded protections to certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who have lived in the United States for at least 10 years. VOLS proudly serves immigrant youth and their families and will continue to support them in navigating changing law. Particularly poignant during National Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate the resilience and bravery of all immigrants who have made New York the vibrant metropolis we all know and love, and those who continue to build new legacies every day.
One of VOLS’ first legal projects in the 1980s was our HIV/AIDS Project. We assisted New Yorkers, overwhelmingly members of the LGBTQIA+ community, by creating and executing incapacity and end-of-life planning documents that empowered their chosen family and caregivers to make medical and financial decisions as needed. Ensuring legal status through these documents was critical, filling gaps where the law failed to provide protection. While laws – and times – have changed, we continue to recognize the need for specific outreach and services to the LGBTQIA+ community. We are proud to continue our long-standing collaboration with SAGE, holding a presentation at Stonewall House and a legal clinic at Edie Windsor Center to assist older adults with their key life planning documents. With these essential documents in place, LGBTQIA+ community members can continue to reduce barriers to ensuring their choices are enforced and respected. VOLS wishes everyone a Happy Pride this month, and a special thank you to our LGBTQIA+ clients for your trust and collaboration over forty years.
Juneteenth, likewise, is a time of both celebration and reflection. VOLS is committed to helping to close the access to justice gap for Black Americans and toward total equality. These are commitments we make to our clients, our staff, and our partners.
Best,
Abja Midha | She/Her
Executive Director, Volunteers of Legal Service
June Project Updates
VOLS Benefits Law Project (BLP) held a presentation for the Entertainment Community Fund. VOLS BLP gave an overview of Unemployment Insurance, Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE), and SSA program applications to social workers so that they can help their clients navigate these programs and make referrals to VOLS. This is part of the project’s outreach efforts so that more New Yorkers can learn about and access public benefits that help meet their basic needs.
VOLS Immigration Project (IP) is supporting our clients as they navigate immigration challenges in the face of ever-shifting legal changes. Through our partnership with Trinity Wall Street, we are providing bi-monthly screening clinics for recently arrived families, alongside volunteer attorneys from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. With a fabulous team – including summer associates – from pro bono partner Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, we held a legal clinic to assist Dreamers with renewing their DACA status.
VOLS Incarcerated Mothers Law Project (IMLP) has been steadfast in supporting mothers and parents who otherwise have no access to family law support. Our pro bono partners make this possible. With pro bono attorneys from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and JP Morgan Chase, we met with clients at Taconic Correctional Facility to provide family law education, advocacy, and counsel. Our team additionally held a clinic at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility joined by volunteer attorneys from Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP, Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
VOLS Microenterprise Project (MEP) collaborated with community partners to provide transactional legal services and education to NYC’s entrepreneurs. This month, MEP conducted a presentation to WHEDco program staff on the topic of legal considerations for merchant associations and 501(c)(6) organizations. The team will continue their collaborative work during the summer with a presentation next week to entrepreneurs participating in Hot Bread Kitchen’s small business program. Hot Bread Kitchen is a new community partner, and we are very excited to align our work helping small business owners thrive.
VOLS Senior Law Project (SLP) provided ongoing support for older adults’ critical life planning needs. This month, we held legal clinics and educational programs with community partners Covello Older Adult Program, Greenwich House’s Our Lady of Pompeii and Independence Plaza Older Adult Center, Riverstone Senior Life Services and SAGE. Our team worked with prob bono attorneys from Bloomberg and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP on a life planning clinic and teamed up with JPMorgan Chase and WilmerHale to hold a legal clinic on JPMorgan Chase’s Annual Day of Service. Working together, we assisted older adults with wills and advance directives that help older adults ensure their wishes are honored.
Run 26.2 with Team VOLS!
Want to run in the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon and support access to justice? After a triumphant run in 2023, VOLS is back as an Official Charity Partner in 2024! Visit our website to learn more.
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