NY Bar Foundation Presents HIAS with $18,000 Grant

The New York Bar Foundation recently presented HIAS with an $18,000 grant to support the organization's Strengthening Legal Defense for Immigrants and Asylum Seekers program.

“HIAS is extremely grateful for the continued support of the New York Bar Foundation, which allows us to engage volunteer pro bono attorneys in the New York community to provide much needed legal services to our clients. Under HIAS’ mentorship, pro bono attorneys provide asylum representation and post-asylum legal services, while pro bono clients receive holistic wraparound support so they can access social services and economic opportunities to live safely and with dignity in their new communities,” said Smita Dazzo, HIAS Director of U.S. Legal Services.

Foundation grants assist non-profit organizations with essentials-of-life issues such as child support, consumer debt, housing, access to health care and education, and family matters such as domestic violence and family stability.  

“The New York Bar Foundation has allocated nearly $700,000 in grants to more than 85 programs across New York significantly increasing the total dollar amount of grants over the past several years,” said Lucia Whisenand, chair of the Grant Review Committee.  “The issues we touch on are extensive and impact people in life changing ways.”

By raising awareness of the need for access to civil legal services and allocating resources to help meet these needs, the Foundation will help make access to justice a reality for New Yorkers and, thereby, enhance the understanding of and respect for the rule of law.  

“Through our grant-making program we help improve access to justice by providing seed grants to innovative legal projects piloting new ways to help those in need,” adds June Castellano, Vice-chair of the Grant Review Committee.  “When you give to the Foundation you help make a difference across New York State.”

The New York Bar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the charitable arm of the New York State Bar Association. Established in 1950, the Foundation is dedicated to aiding charitable and educational projects to meet the law-related needs of the public and the legal profession.To learn more about the Foundation and how you can support its programs, visit www.tnybf.org or email Deborah Auspelmyer dauspelmyer@tnybf.org