FurtherJustice Foundation Awards Legal Accelerator Grant to VLJ
The FurtherJustice Foundation—a private foundation that helps organizations launch and expand civil legal service programs working to increase access to justice, power and equity for underrepresented individuals and communities—recently awarded a Legal Accelerator Grant to VLJ and Newark Community Solutions (NCS). VLJ was awarded $200,000 of the $300,000 grant payable during 2023 and 2024, with the possibility of additional funding in year three. Through this grant, VLJ and NCS will address legal and social issues that contribute to housing instability in Essex County.
 
Most importantly, the grant leverages the power of partnership by placing VLJ and NCS at the intersection of law and social change, leading to greater housing stability in Essex County. This collaborative new program will create a formal partnership between VLJ and NCS, and the goal of the grant is not only to build capacity to identify and address legal and social issues that contribute to housing instability, but also create an effective model for community lawyering in New Jersey. 
The Long Drive For Justice
VLJ's Second Annual Golf Outing
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
VLJ invites you back to the green for our second annual golf outing, The Long Drive for Justice.

Join us on Tuesday, June 20 at Mountain Ridge Country Club for a day of golf and good times. Registration and the driving range open at 10:30 AM with activities throughout the day, including a post-tournament cocktail reception open to all (not just golfers). This event is guaranteed to make any golfer, spectator, or supporter of justice feel like they hit a hole in one.

June may seem like an eternity away, but it will be here before you know it, so polish those golf clubs and head over to our website to sign up today; registration and sponsorship information can be found below.
VLJ's February 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Steven Kim, Esq.
VLJ's February 2023 Defender of Justice: Alexandra Bravo, Esq.
VLJ staff Adelina Herrarte (Senior Staff Attorney), Melanie Zelikovsky (former intern), and Karen Robinson (Managing Attorney) recently had articles published in the New Jersey State Bar Association’s New Jersey Lawyer February 2023 edition.

We are proud of the amazing work and scholarship by Adelina, Melanie, and Karen, and we are grateful to the New Jersey Lawyer team of editors for their collegiality and support! 
Save The Date!
VLJ's 2023 Arts & Eats for Justice Gala
October 11, 2023
VLJ's Arts & Eats for Justice Gala
October 11, 2023
Nanina's in the Park
540 Mill Street
Belleville, NJ 07109

An official invitation with more information and registration is coming to your inbox and social media channels soon.
There is no VLJ without volunteers!

While it is a new year, unmet civil legal needs remain for many of our neighbors. Added to that is the fact that there is no constitutional right to an attorney in most civil cases, so tenants facing eviction, survivors of human trafficking, children in need of supportive services, veterans, and community members seeking second chances are left without a legal advocate in their corner.

Help change that power imbalance by volunteering with VLJ today to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty!
Sponsor and Supporter Recognition
Thank you to our recent grantors, first-time corporate supporters, and major individual donors!
Individual Donors