Our Community, Updates & Announcements: July Newsletter

Our Community, Updates & Announcements

Earlier this month, the VOLS team came together for a discussion on the recent decisions issued by the Supreme Court of the United States on affirmative action, student loans, and LGBTQ+ rights. These decisions represent a major setback for advancing equity in this country and among the communities we live in and serve every day. VOLS is, as always, committed to helping marginalized communities access justice and to advancing equality through our programs and services.
 
VOLS is proud to be part of a pro bono community that is committed to fighting for vulnerable New Yorkers. We recently enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the VOLS Pro Bono Advocates Council (PBAC) Summer Picnic in Central Park. VOLS’s team, PBAC members, friends, and colleagues came together for a summer celebration that raised critical funds for our free legal services to low-income New Yorkers. We are grateful to our PBAC and our firm sponsors: Bracewell LLP, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Latham & Watkins, and Morrison Foerster.
 
Please read on to learn more about our inaugural VOLS Benefits Law Project (BLP) clinic, opportunities to join our team, and the election of new Board Chair, Antony L. Ryan.

Best,

Abja Midha Executive Director, Volunteers of Legal Service

2023 VOLS PBAC Summer Picnic, Central Park.

In Memoriam

VOLS was saddened to learn about the passing of Maria Torres Bird, a client of our Senior Law Project La Extension Comunitaria para Adultos Mayores initiative who shared her experiences drafting essential planning documents with the VOLS community last spring. We were lucky to work with Maria and grateful she shared her story with us. We dedicate our Gala video to her now.

New Board Chair

VOLS Board of Directors has elected Antony L. Ryan, Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP as Chair. We are excited for the future of VOLS under his leadership.

We Are Hiring!

 Join our team and help close the access to justice gap for low-income New Yorkers. The following position is currently open:

Project Updates

VOLS Benefits Law Project (BLP) launched on a successful note with a Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) clinic for residents of Hamilton Madison House, an older adult center in Knickerbocker Village. Joined by pro bono volunteers from AIG and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, our team assisted more than 80 older adults with limited income to access and understand this important benefits program that helps prevent homelessness and poverty. VOLS was proud to be invited as the legal services provider at this event, organized by State Senator Brian Kavanagh, State Assembly Member Grace Lee, and City Council Member Christopher Marte. Later in the month, the team provided public benefits information to older immigrant New Yorkers served by community partner, Garden of Hope.

VOLS Immigration Project (IP) conducted a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) screening with community partner Flanbwayan Haitian Literacy Project and with the support of pro bono volunteers from WilmerHale. IP will conduct a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) clinic providing application renewal assistance with pro bono attorneys from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP later this month.

VOLS Incarcerated Mothers Law Project (IMLP) continues to provide both in-person and telephonic family law legal services to incarcerated mothers and parents. This month, IMLP worked with teams from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP to provide education, advocacy, and counsel at Taconic Correctional Facility.

VOLS Microenterprise Project (MEP) continues to provide legal advice and education to small business owners. Earlier this month, MEP presented an entity formation advice clinic with community partner Harlem Business Alliance and pro bono volunteers from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.

VOLS Senior Law Project (SLP) teamed up with community partner SAGE this month to conduct an essential life planning documents presentation for LGBTQ+ older adults. Earlier this month, SLP conducted presentations for community partners, Breaking Ground and Life Force in Later Years. Last month, SLP presented at Carter Burden Senior Center, held a pro bono wills clinic with volunteer attorneys from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as well as a life planning intake clinic with volunteers from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP at the Osbourne Association’s Marcus Garvey House.

VOLS SLP with pro bono volunteers from Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP. 

Clients and volunteers gather at Hamilton Madison House for the VOLS BLP SCRIE clinic.

Volunteers and representatives from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), NYC Department of Finance (DOF), offices of State Senator Brian Kavanagh, State Assembly Member Grace Lee, and City Council Member Christopher Marte, Hamilton-Madison House Knickerbocker Village NORC, AIG, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, and VOLS.  

 

Team VOLS x TCS New York City Marathon

Do you want to support the VOLS’ 2023 TCS New York City Marathon team? Visit our fundraising page to make a gift and learn more about our fabulous runners, including our very own Senior Staff Attorney, Jim Fenton, and Board Member, Cynthia Mullock.

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.

Join the VOLS Community

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