Legal Services of Long Island receives $300,000 for pro bono initiative
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Kathryn Fanlund
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WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is awarding $300,000 to Legal Services of Long Island (LSLI). The LSC Pro Bono Innovation Fund (PBIF) grant will enable the nonprofit legal services organization to strengthen efforts to engage volunteers in assisting low-income Long Islanders with their civil legal problems.
LSLI will use the grant to help children and adults with disabilities navigate the complex benefits application process by expanding its Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application assistance program. LSLI will deliver services through a clinic model that guides clients through eligibility screening, evidence gathering, and application preparation and submission, with support from volunteer attorneys, paralegals and law students. The project will develop volunteer training and resources, and implement technology tools to improve consistency, reduce administrative burdens and make participation manageable for new volunteers.
LSLI will also provide clients with multilingual materials, interpreter services and direct referral pathways to staff attorneys in its Disability Advocacy Project who handle appeals. The initiative will work to reduce denials, improve access to disability benefits and strengthen financial stability for Long Island families.
With limited capacity and resources, legal services organizations nationwide depend upon volunteers to expand the reach of legal assistance in their local communities. Low-income Americans do not receive any or enough legal help with 92% of their civil legal problems.
Since the PBIF grant program began in 2014, LSC has awarded 200 grants totaling more than $55 million. Funding for the PBIF program is included in LSC’s congressional appropriation.
Members of Congress congratulated LSLI on receiving a pro bono grant.
“Having worked as an attorney myself, I know how difficult it can be for individuals and families to navigate the legal system, especially when it comes to accessing the benefits they depend on,” said Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-2). “This $300,000 grant will help Legal Services of Long Island provide much-needed assistance to Long Islanders with disabilities and their families. I thank the Legal Services Corporation for this investment and Legal Services of Long Island for the important work they do for our communities.”
“Access to disability benefits can make an enormous difference for families who are already facing significant challenges, and no one should be denied the support they need because an application process is too difficult to navigate,” said Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-3). “Legal Services of Long Island does such important work ensuring vulnerable communities across Long Island have access to necessary legal services and resources, from food and housing assistance to mental health support, safety, and benefits. This grant will expand LSLI’s ability to connect children and adults with disabilities to life-changing benefits and help Long Island families. Congratulations to LSLI on this very well-deserved grant!”
More information about the Pro Bono Innovation Fund is available here.