Resiliency & Responsiveness
A note from Heidi Henderson, VLP President and Chief Executive Officer
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As I reflect on the past year, knowing the daunting challenges our community has and continues to face, I cannot help but me moved by the resiliency of our neighbors, our partners, our Borough, and the VLP.
Throughout the pandemic, the VLP has stayed true to our mission, remaining present, committed, and accessible to Brooklynites most in need. Our volunteer recruitment and coordination efforts have also continued, providing new and emerging training opportunities for lawyers and professionals across varying industries, resulting in the recruitment of 140 volunteers who provided over 5,000 hours of pro bono assistance. By tapping into our pioneering pro bono model, we provided direct civil legal services, pro se clinics, community education programs, phone hotline assistance, and referrals to nearly 10,000 Brooklynites.
We have also strengthened our holistic approach by providing virtual outreach and education presentations – with a focus on the senior community – forging new partnerships with local and national organizations and elected officials. And, as COVID-19 persists and safeguards are slowly phased out, we continue to develop and maintain critical legal and COVID-19 health resources, providing Brooklynites with the most up to date information on available assistance programs and safety measures.
With the end of the State foreclosure moratorium and mortgage forbearance programs, a backlogged family court system, increased consumer debt related matters, and the lifting of court restrictions in the coming months, many Brooklynites will need legal assistance – both for new and newly recalendared cases. As court procedures are set to unpause, the VLP and our dedicated volunteers are poised and prepared to help ensure our clients secure successful outcomes, creating a fairer and more accessible legal system for all.
We are grateful to our board, volunteers, and supporters for your steadfast commitment to the VLP and those we serve. Thank you for standing with us in helping to close the justice gap as we look forward to another year transforming lives and strengthening communities.
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Booth Ferris Boosts Development |
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We are excited to share the news of our new hire, Teresa Daly, who we welcomed to the team in December 2021 as the VLP’s Director of Institutional Giving. Teresa joins us from the International Rescue Committee where she developed government, foundation, and corporate grant proposals and will be assisting us in similar capacity, playing an integral role in supporting a growing Development Department. Teresa's position was made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Booth Ferris Foundation.
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Teresa Daly, Director of Institutional Giving
“I was initially drawn to the VLP's community-informed approach to services, and specifically its response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure individuals' and families' continued stability. I also have a deep appreciation for the VLP's commitment to providing accessible, comprehensive civil legal assistance – a critical community resource, particularly amidst the ongoing uncertainty wrought by the pandemic. I'm very excited to join the VLP and look forward to supporting the organization in its mission of service to Brooklyn neighborhoods.”
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Career Opportunities:
Staff Attorney – Admission to NYS Bar is required; recent law student graduates pending NYS admission will be considered. Litigation experience in foreclosure law and in consumer law matters is preferred.
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Engaging New Leaders: VLP Board Recruitment |
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VLP board recruitment efforts are continuing as we seek new members who possess the combined interests, skills, values, enthusiasm, and dedication needed to fulfill our mission, surpass our organizational goals, and strategically propel us to the next 30 years.
Please give a warm welcome to our recently elected board members:
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Senior Director, People Operations
Cameo
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Interim Senior Legal Counsel
FARFETCH
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On December 7, 2021, the VLP hosted a virtual Annual Gala honoring Arlene Shaw, Managing Director, Brightwood Capital Advisors, LLC and Margaret Isa Butler, Partner, Armstrong Teasdale LLP, and presented Stacey Kushlefsky, Pro Bono Counsel, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP with the Champion of Justice Award.
The VLP Annual Gala celebrates and honors the work of extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the public good and equal justice. As our premier fundraising event, funds raised for the Gala enable the VLP to strengthen our pioneering pro bono model and delivery of essential-to-life legal services to thousands of Brooklynites. To view the recording of the Gala, including the virtual journal, click here.
To learn more about upcoming events and giving campaigns contact VLP Senior Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives, Melissa Starr at mstarr@brooklynvlp.org.
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Advancing Virtual Legal Education Opportunities |
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On October 28, 2021, the VLP hosted a virtual CLE offering training on consumer debt defense amidst the COVID-19 pandemic presented by Sidney Cherubin, VLP Director of Legal Services, and Jennifer Cook, VLP Staff Attorney. Attendees were given an overview of the work typically conducted in our Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office (CLARO) program followed by a discussion of the COVID-19 related consumer protections afforded under Federal and State law, including those affecting credit scores, student loans and renters. The training also reviewed the current state of the courts, how we have continued to serve our CLARO clients remotely, and our plans for expansion of service through the CLARO Remote Pilot Project.
On November 4, 2021, the VLP hosted an additional virtual CLE providing a basic overview of the New York State Foreclosure Process and how COVID-19 is affecting homeowners presented by VLP Staff Attorneys Edward Mostoller, Peter White, and Daniele Wilson.
On December 14, 2021, the VLP hosted another virtual CLE providing an introduction to Consumer Bankruptcy Law presented by Sheldon Barasch, Esq., Co-Supervising Attorney, DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services, and Bruce Weiner, Esq., Partner at Rosenberg, Musso & Weiner, LLP. This CLE was designed for attorneys who are new to low-asset, low-income Chapter 7 bankruptcies. Our experienced panel provided an overview of the steps in a consumer bankruptcy, discussed general principles, and reviewed the petition and form preparation.
For more information about upcoming CLE's and additional trainings, please contact Pro Bono Director, Anne O'Grady at aogrady@brooklynvlp.org.
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Do you or someone you know need legal help? Call the VLP's intake line at
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From telephonic conference calls to online presentations, our well-respected National Grid Foundation Senior Legal Education and Assistance Program (NGF Senior LEAP) continues to expand delivery of information to seniors borough-wide!
On September 14, 2021, VLP Staff Attorneys Edward Mostoller and Peter White joined Senator Roxanne Persaud's Senate District 19 Senior Resource Day 2021. This outdoor event provided seniors with information about health care, transportation, financial services, legal services, safety, education and more.
For additional details or to schedule an in-person or virtual presentation please reach out to VLP Legal Assistant, Eloy Ruiz at eruiz@brooklynvlp.org or (718) 473-9207. To preview a virtual NGF Senior LEAP webinar, click here.
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Extra Extra: VLP in the News |
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Upcoming Events:
Spring 2022 (Date TBA) – VLP Volunteer Recognition Event (Virtual)
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Preserving Communities Together |
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During these challenging times, the VLP needs your support more than ever. Please help us remain nimble and responsive to the growing legal needs of Brooklyn's most vulnerable and underserved residents. A gift at any level will make a significant difference. |
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