New Projects and Events: June Newsletter - VOLS

June 15, 2023

New Projects and Events

June has been a busy and exciting month at VOLS as we launched our new Benefits Law Project (BLP), which will help low-income New Yorkers more equitably access the benefits to which they are entitled. VOLS BLP expands on the success of VOLS Unemployed Workers Project to help access a wider range of benefits that meet basic needs and increase economic security and independence. Visit our website to learn more, seek assistance or find information on how you can support BLP with pro bono.

“VOLS Benefits Law Project builds upon our track record of success helping underserved New Yorkers navigate complicated legal systems to access the rights and benefits that they deserve and training and supporting a corps of pro bono attorneys to make a significant impact,” said Stephanie Taylor, Director, VOLS BLP.

Our Immigration Project has been tracking the administration’s new asylum policies following the expiration of Title 42 last month. VOLS joins other legal services organizations, immigrant rights groups, advocates, and so many others who care about human rights in condemning the administration’s new asylum policy. Migrants fleeing dangerous conditions to seek asylum have a right to request refuge and deserve better than this rule, which will further expose them to danger and violence, curtail their rights and due process.

Best,

Abja Midha
Executive Director, Volunteers of Legal Service

We Want to Hear from You!

We launched a new project this month, and now we want to hear from you! Please take two minutes to complete our SURVEY; we’d greatly appreciate your feedback about our newsletter. Your answers will remain anonymous and help us improve your newsletter experience.

We Are Hiring!

Join our team and help close the access to justice gap for low-income New Yorkers. VOLS is seeking to add a full-time Staff Attorney to work in our Microenterprise Project and a full-time bilingual Spanish speaking Legal Assistant to support the work of our legal projects. Visit our website for career opportunities.

Project Updates

VOLS Benefits Law Project (BLP) kicks off with an inaugural Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)/Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) clinic on June 28, for low-income older adult residents of Hamilton Madison House. The clinic is being organized in collaboration with State Senator Brian Kavanaugh, State Assembly Member Grace Lee, and City Council Member Christopher Marte.

VOLS Immigration Project (IP) continues its efforts to offer legal support for immigrant youth with a screening clinic earlier this month at International High School at La Guardia Community College. IP will also be conducting a DACA renewal clinic later this month with pro bono volunteers from Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

VOLS Incarcerated Mothers Law Project (IMLP) held clinics at Taconic Correctional Facility alongside pro bono attorneys from Davis Polk & Wardwell and JP Morgan. Later this month IMLP will hold a clinic at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility – the first time these mothers will have in-person access to a VOLS attorney – working with teams from Davis Polk & Wardwell and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

Earlier this month, Director Stephanie Taylor was joined in conversation by Dr. Michelle Gantt, CEO of Good Morning Parents, at an informational event, another first for the Project. They were joined by Asia Archey Riddick, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, and Monica De Martin, Société Générale, two pro bono attorneys who shared their experiences representing IMLP clients. Guests were educated on the project’s work and encouraged to become First Champions of the IMLP—committing to supporting the Project with resources, time and advocacy. To learn more, please contact Amy Bonderoff at abonderoff@volsprobono.org.

VOLS Microenterprise Project (MEP) has a busy month ahead with several planned clinics covering basics for entrepreneurs and entity formation with the Harlem Business Alliance and Progress Playbook Blueprint. Earlier this month, MEP participated in a legal workshop, alongside volunteers from Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP and hosted by The Mangrove. The presentation focused on intellectual property geared towards local entrepreneurs at all stages of business, followed by a Q & A.

VOLS Senior Law Project (SLP) gave testimony at New York City Council’s Committee on Finance “Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget” hearing underscoring the need to maintain funding for the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS). While the Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Plan seeks to cut funding to DVS, VOLS urges the City Council to, at a minimum, maintain the size and the scope of the agency and to continue to invest in services and programs that provide critical support and make New York City a place where veterans feel welcomed and at home.

VOLS Legal Director and Senior Law Project Director Peter Kempner (far right) testified before the NYC Council Committee on Finance highlighting the need to maintain funding for the DVS and to continue to invest in services and programs that provide critical support for veterans.

IMLP Director Stephanie Taylor with Marji Molavi and Dr. Michelle Gantt at the VOLS IMLP informational learning event.

We are thrilled to welcome our summer interns, Candace Yu, St. John’s University School of Law; Israel Lopez, CUNY School of Law; Sarah Copeland Jimenez, Yale University; Sadie Cook, Wesleyan University; and Jonathan Lu, Rutgers Law School.

Team VOLS x TCS New York City Marathon

For the first time, VOLS is an official charity partner for the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon! With only 150 days remaining until the race, Team VOLS is working hard behind the scenes. Visit our fundraising page to learn about our fabulous runners, including our very own Senior Staff Attorney,Jim Fenton, and Board Member, Cynthia Mullock, Founding Executive Director, Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey.

Support Us While You Shop

Enjoy 20% off Minted’s unique stationery, children’s art, and gifts when you shop using our exclusive discount code, and Minted will donate 15% back to us.