It is with great pride that I write to you as Access Justice Brooklyn’s new President & CEO to provide a preview into our shared vision for AJB and our Brooklyn community. I am excited to be in this role because I believe strongly in the work that AJB does to make my home borough a more equitable and prosperous place to live for all Brooklynites. I’m also grateful to be a part of our collective community - knowing that I can count on all of you, in your own unique ways, as supporters of the organization.

As you’ll see below, we finished 2025 strong: providing critical, client-centered services; strengthening our holistic approach to economic security; and celebrating leaders in the justice space while raising critical funds for AJB at our Annual Gala. In 2026, I’m looking forward to continuing to advocate for our neighbors in need and creating even more opportunities for us to gather together in support of AJB’s essential programming. 

I hope you will join us at our first event of the year: AJB’s Open House and Volunteer Recognition Event hosted at our office—203 Jay Street, Suite 300—on Thursday, February 26 from 6 PM to 8 PM. The evening will be a lovely opportunity to meet, mingle, and recognize our volunteers who are at the heart of AJB. 

I look forward to working together in the advancement of AJB’s mission and the betterment of our borough.

Lilia Toson

President & CEO

Access Justice Brooklyn

AJB: A Year in Review

Over the past year, AJB handled over 5,600 matters benefiting more than 12,700 individuals and families, and held or participated in 36 community events that allowed us to reach over 1,100 Brooklynites. We helped our clients obtain over $3.35 million in financial benefits and savings, contributing to their financial stability. In addition, we provided pro se assistance to nearly 300 community members through court-based clinics and workshops.

True to AJB's pioneering pro bono model, our level of impact in 2025 was only made possible through the engagement of compassionate and dedicated volunteers throughout the year.

AJB: Model in Action

Our responsive approach to evolving needs we see in the community also inspired the launch of our financial literacy program, an increased focus on deed theft, and the growth of our estate planning program, all furthering economic equity for Brooklynites and their families. To learn more, view our program video here: Invest in our AJB Community - Invest in Justice

2026 TD Five Boro Bike Tour: Team AJB

Access Justice Brooklyn is honored to be a charity partner of the 2026 TD Five Boro Bike Tour! We are excited to invite cyclists committed to closing the justice gap by raising funds for AJB.

Click here to learn more and secure your spot as a charity rider for Team AJB during the 2026 TD Five Boro Bike Tour on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Exclusive sponsorship opportunities are available!

Join the AJB Volunteer Community

Explore opportunities to join the AJB volunteer community by participating in a range of activities, such as tabling events, prevention-focused workshops, Senior LEAP, and Financial Literacy presentations.

If you'd like to attend an upcoming presentation, training, or community event, please reach out to us at volunteer@accessjusticebk.org.

Upcoming Pro Bono Partnership Clinics, CLEs, and Community Events:

• February 25, 2026: Senior LEAP presentation hosted by the Eileen Dugan Senior Center from 10:30 AM - 12 PM
• February 26, 2026 & March 10, 2026: Financial Literacy presentations hosted by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; workshops for high school students participating in the firm's Urban Education Initiative
• March 3, 2026: Senior LEAP presentation hosted by the GRIOT Circle from 12:30 PM - 2 PM
• April 23, 2026: Pro Se Uncontested Divorce Clinic with Bloomberg LP and Goodwin Goodwin Procter LLP
• May 16, 2026: Brooklyn Community Board 2 - Fifth Anniversary Health Fair, Elevate Your Mind, Body & Soul hosted in Fort Greene Park from 12 PM - 4 PM.
• Spring 2026: Advanced Directives CLE presented by AJB Elder Law Staff Attorney, Jessie Carnevale. Date and time TBA.