Northeast New Jersey Legal Services receives $370,000 for pro bono initiative
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Kathryn Fanlund
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WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is awarding $370,000 to Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS). The LSC Pro Bono Innovation Fund (PBIF) grant will enable the nonprofit legal services organization to expand efforts to engage volunteers in assisting low-income New Jerseyans with their civil legal problems.
With support from a 2024 PBIF grant, NNJLS developed its Clean Record Initiative to address the lack of access to expungement services. The initiative uses a comprehensive approach that combines clinic-based services, full representation and flexible volunteer opportunities.
The new grant will enable NNJLS to build on this foundation, adding an expungement subject-matter expert to train and supervise volunteers, assist with complex cases and maintain high-quality services as the program grows. NNJLS will strengthen and sustain the initiative by expanding client outreach, community education and strategic partnerships while refining its service model to increase volunteer participation.
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 NNJLS on receiving a pro bono grant.
“I am proud to announce a $370,000 federal grant for Northeast New Jersey Legal Services from the Legal Services Corporation to expand critical legal services for residents across Hudson County,” said Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-8). “This funding will help families overcome barriers to housing and employment and ensure that residents have access to the high-quality legal assistance they deserve. Thank you to the Legal Services Corporation for their partnership in delivering meaningful resources for families across our district.”
“Equal access to justice is a promise our country has made, but seldom lives up to,” said Rep. Analilia Mejia (NJ-11). “We know all too well that our justice system operates differently depending on economic status, often placing barriers on working families and those who can’t afford an attorney. The Legal Services Corporation does extraordinary work to help close those gaps, and I am pleased that their Pro Bono Innovation Fund is awarding a $370,000 grant to Northeast New Jersey Legal Services Corporation’s Clean Record Initiative. This grant will help NNJLS expand a program that opens doors to employment, housing, and stability for countless New Jerseyans. I am proud to support LSC’s work to make justice available to everyone, no matter where they live or what they can afford.”
More information about the Pro Bono Innovation Fund is available here.