NSLS Honors Black History Month

This month, we recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans. While this is a time to celebrate progress, we must also acknowledge the glaring disparities that Black families still confront. These disparities, rooted in our nation's history, have been highlighted by the COVID-19 crisis. Black and Latinx families have disproportionately born the health and economic impact of the pandemic. The latest census data put the consequences in stark relief:

  • Last month in New York, 15% of homeowners were behind on their mortgage payments. For Black homeowners, the rate was over 37%.
  • 20% of New York renters were behind on rent in January. The rate was over 35% for black renters. (Census Household Pulse Data, January 6-18.)

As Thurgood Marshall, our first Black Supreme Court Justice taught, "[t]he measure of a country's greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." NSLS will continue to fight for justice for Black families and others who face losing their homes as a result of our ongoing crisis.
LEGAL SUPPORT CENTER FOR ADVOCATES WEBINAR

CONSUMER DEBT COLLECTION BASICS FOR ADVOCATES
Friday, April 9, 12:30-1:30 pm

Sharon Campo, Esq. | Consumer Debt Legal Assistance Project Staff Attorney

Private debt collection continues despite the pandemic. Many people may also face substantial money judgments if they fell behind on rent during the pandemic. Come learn about the basics of the consumer debt collection process and debtors' rights. Topics covered will include:

Credit Reports | Debt collection calls and letters | Debt collection lawsuits | Judgments
Exempt income | Debt relief options | Car loans | Medical debt
PROGRAMS FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MASSAPEQUA PUBLIC LIBRARY

LIFE PLANNING BASICS

Thursday, April 22, 2:00 p.m.

Presented by Dan Okrent, Esq.
NSLS Senior Citizen Law Project

Being prepared for a health crisis is critical at every stage of life, but many people aren't sure how to get started. Come learn about health care proxies, advance directives, powers of attorney, and basic Medicaid and estate planning considerations. 
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COPIAGUE MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY

UNDERSTANDING MEDICAID MANAGED
LONG-TERM CARE FOR FAMILIES

Thursday, April 22, 6:00 pm

Presented by Agnes Bonavoglia, Esq.
NSLS ICAN Unit

ICAN, or Independent Consumer Advocacy Network, supports people in Medicaid long-term and managed care plans who need services in the community, like home attendants or adult daycare. This presentation for Medicaid recipients, families, and caregivers will describe Nassau Suffolk Law Services' ICAN Unit. Learn about the assistance, advocacy, and representation we provide for Long Island residents receiving long-term care in the community. The presentation will also discuss the benefits and services Medicaid long-term care programs provide. It will explain how to access those services and what rights a participant has. Finally, learn how to address quality issues or denials of services.
 
Bring your questions about the 2020 Medicaid amendments!
 
LAW SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY
Marissa Luchs Kindler, Esq., Senior Staff Attorney, and Paola Arango, Esq., Staff Attorney in the disability and health-related unit, gave a series of trainings on the rapidly changing Landlord-Tenant laws to members of the public through the Brentwood Public Library and to advocates through the Legal Support Center for Advocates, Sepa Mujer and at the Long Island Language Advocates Coalition Conference housing panel.  Kindler and Hannah Abrams, Staff Attorney in the Civil Unit, also presented to staff of Long Island Housing Authorities. For a recording of Kindler's most recent training on the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act, click here. 

Agnes Bonavoglia, Esq., Staff Attorney of the Independent Consumer Advocacy Network (ICAN) unit gave a webinar entitled Understanding Medicaid Managed Long Term Care and presented on Medicaid MLTC for consumers through the Brentwood Public Library. For a recording of Bonavoglia's presentation for families and caregivers click here.

Amanda Davis, Esq., Staff Attorney in the ICAN unit gave a different version of the Medicaid Managed Long Term Care presentation tailored to advocates through the Legal Support Center for Advocates. For a recording of Davis's presentation for advocates, click here.

Susanna Laruccia, Esq., Staff Attorney in the Veterans Rights Project presented on holistic lawyering at the Hofstra Law Veterans Advocacy Program.

Roberta Scoll, Esq. Coordinator for the Nassau Volunteer Lawyers Project Attorney of the Day Program presented on landlord-tenant law at the Theodore Roosevelt Inn of Court and at the Nassau County Bar Association District Court Committee.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STAFF WITH
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES IN 2021!
35 YEAR MILESTONE
Robin Sparks, Esq.
Public Benefits Staff Attorney

30 YEAR MILESTONES
Nora Gonzalez
Public Benefits Paralegal

Larry Tuthill, Esq.
Domestic Violence Project Staff Attorney

25 YEAR MILESTONE
Liz Wolf-Boccone
MSW Director of Social Work

20 YEAR MILESTONE
Carolyn McQuade, Esq.
Pro Bono Coordinator

15 YEAR MILESTONES
John Ferro, Esq.
Disability and Health-Related Staff Attorney

Bill Stuber, Esq.
Landlord-Tenant Staff Attorney


5 YEAR MILESTONES
Paola Arango, Esq.
Disability and Health-Related Staff Attorney

Margaret Dillon
Assistant to the Director of Finance

Michele Fischetti, Esq.
Coordinator, COVID-19 Tenant Legal Assistance Project

Heather Graham, Esq.
Foreclosure Prevention Staff Attorney

Petrushka Khiamal, Esq.
Landlord-Tenant Staff Attorney
Is your organization interested in learning more about how COVID-19 has impacted the legal issues low-income and marginalized people confront?

Contact the Legal Support Center for Advocates to request training geared toward the interests of your organization. The Legal Support Center for Advocates is also available to meet virtually with your staff to discuss the services that Law Services provides and how to make appropriate referrals for legal assistance. Contact us at (631) 232-2400, ext. 3324 (Cathy Lucidi) or ext. 3309 (Vivian Storm).
The information contained in this material is not legal advice. Legal advice depends upon the specific facts of each situation. These materials cannot replace the advice of competent legal counsel.