VOLS Monthly Newsletter

Spotlight on Black Business Month: August News

The VOLS legal team and pro bono and community partners did not slow down this summer, as we continued to meet with and support New Yorkers who face barriers to accessing legal support. We collaborated on clinics, presentations, and direct services, moving throughout the city to talk with communities facing civil legal challenges. 

August is Black Business Month, a great opportunity to share how the VOLS Microenterprise Project (MEP) supports small business owners and entrepreneurs in New York City. This month, we are introducing you to three small business owners. Read on to hear in our clients’ own words how free legal support from VOLS MEP helps their small businesses to thrive. 

Best,

Abja Midha | She/Her
Executive Director


Georgi Caterer NYC

VOLS MEP client George Howell is the Founder and Executive Chef of Georgi Caterer NYC, a Brooklyn-based catering company dedicated to creating exceptional culinary experiences throughout New York City. Like many small business owners, George faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. He rebuilt his business step by step, guided by his commitment to community, diversity, honesty, and transparency. Today, Georgi Caterer NYC partners with local organizations, businesses, and families to create memorable events that celebrate culture, connection, and hospitality. To continue safeguarding and growing his business, George connected with VOLS MEP through our partnership with NYC’s Small Business Services’ Black Entrepreneurs NYC initiative. We reached out to George to ask about his experience working with VOLS. 

“Discovering Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) has been one of the most valuable experiences in my entrepreneurial journey. Through the VOLS Microenterprise Project, I received legal guidance that strengthened my business’s foundation. From understanding contracts and business protections to developing policies and essential legal documents, VOLS has given me the confidence to continue growing while protecting the business I worked so hard to build.

Nothing is more important than learning and receiving real support, especially in a city like New York. As an entrepreneur, having access to these resources is a pillar that helps us continue growing. VOLS is a nonprofit that truly shows up for small businesses. They use every tool available to help entrepreneurs succeed. When you work with VOLS, you know you’re not alone. 

Because of VOLS, I can continue serving my clients and community with fairness, honesty, and transparency, knowing I have a trusted team helping me build a stronger future.” 

Learn more about Georgi Caterer NYC at www.georgicaterer.com. 

George Howell, Founder and Executive Chef 


Stranger Fruit Universe

VOLS MEP clients Danhy Clermont and Donovan Thompson are the founders of Stranger Fruit Universe, an independent media studio creating cultural and social impact series for Black and BIPOC millennials and Gen Z. VOLS first connected with Danhy and Donovan through our legal services partnership with the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC) initiative. VOLS MEP and pro bono volunteers helped Danhy and Donovan form their business, protect their intellectual property, and create contracts. “VOLS has been an amazing partner to us during these early stages of our business when every legal decision is crucial. Because of their help, we are confident that our business’s foundation is rock solid.” In the fall of 2026, Stranger Fruit Universe plans to open its own studio in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

You can learn more about Stranger Fruit Universe at www.thestrangerfruit.com.

Danhy Clermont and Donovan Thompson, Founders

The inclusion of a client or client business in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, warranty, or representation by VOLS regarding any featured business, product, or service. Any views or opinions expressed by featured clients, including in podcasts or other media, are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of VOLS.



August Project Highlights

August is National Make-A-Will Month, and we are proud to highlight the important work of the VOLS Senior Law Project (SLP), which empowers older adults to create legally enforceable life planning documents that reflect their unique wishes and preferences and effectively prepare for incapacity and death. In addition to helping our clients draft and execute Wills, Health Care Proxies, Powers of Attorney, and other advance directives, VOLS SLP held legal education presentations on the importance of life planning at Hamilton-Madison House Knickerbocker Village Naturally Occuring Retirement Community, Homecrest Community Services Bensonhurst Center, and Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. 

VOLS SLP holds a presentation for older adults at Homecrest Community Services Bensonhurst Center.

VOLS Benefits Law Project (BLP) continued our regular presence in Manhattan Housing Court with volunteers from Cleary Gottlieb and Goodwin. BLP also held presentations on fair housing law to staff members at the Jericho Project.

VOLS Immigration Project (IP) held weekly virtual briefings on changing immigration law and policy for our pro bono volunteers.

VOLS Incarcerated Mothers Law Project (IMLP) held a legal clinic at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility supported by pro bono attorneys from A&O Shearman, Dechert, Fried Frank, and NBC Sports and a clinic at Taconic Correctional Facility alongside pro bono attorneys from Akin, Con Edison, and Freshfields. 




Team VOLS x TCS New York City Marathon

Support the run for justice! Two months until Team VOLS takes on the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon! Our amazing team is running to help close the access to justice gap for New Yorkers in need of civil legal services. Visit our page to make a gift and meet our fabulous team. 




Get Ready for Back to School and Support VOLS While You Shop

Looking for stationery, gifts, and essentials? Enjoy 20% off Minted’s stationery and gifts when you shop using our exclusive discount code and Minted will donate 10% back to us. Use code: FUNDRAISEVOLS

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