Last month, VLP showed our appreciation for our 2,000+ volunteer attorneys whose commitment to justice has allowed us to provide counsel, advice, and representation to thousands of low-income individuals and families.
We are especially thankful for this year’s Gideon’s Trumpet and Denis Maguire awardees. Our gratitude also goes to our client speaker, who shared her story of how VLP helped her navigate a difficult divorce as a Deaf adult.
You can watch the recording of our Annual Event, check out the event’s program book, and view our Annual Report by clicking the button below.
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We are so grateful to our community of volunteers and supporters.
Thank you for everything you do, all year 'round!
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Our Interns are Superstars |
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Volunteer and Client Remarks |
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“Our RAFT application came through and the case got dismissed. It is so nice to know that you are out there. My wife and I have not been right for the past few months worried about our family being homeless. The one thing that did allow us to sleep at night was knowing that organizations like yours are out there. Thank you again.”
-- VLP Housing Client
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"I cannot thank the VLP and its incredibly talented staff enough. The VLP helps people who would normally not be able to afford and access high-quality, critical legal representation, it connects them with attorneys who are able to realize the ability they have in making major differences in the lives of the overlooked and often ignored individuals throughout our community."
-- Volunteer Attorney Joe D'Antuono, Esq. Solo practitioner
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"I do not think there is a better lawyer in this world than [Senior Staff Attorney Colin Harnsgate]. From minute one, he defended me and cited all the different laws. My thoughts at that moment were, ‘my God, thank you for giving me such an amazing attorney. He is intelligent and a good person, bless him so that he can continue helping people like me.’”
-- VLP Bankruptcy Client
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"Every day I am reminded how important our work is; each time...a grateful client shares the peace & joy they now feel in being able to put their debt behind them and focus on the opportunities ahead. This work truly makes a difference and is why I became a lawyer."
-- Volunteer Attorney Maegan Hurley, Massachusetts Debt Relief Foundation, Inc.
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These remarks are not just incredibly heart-warming, but they’re also such fantastic reminders that the work we do every day has real-world, life-changing impacts. Thank you to everyone who helped make justice a reality for our clients. |
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VLP has been making waves on the radio and TV recently. CELHP Landlord Project Coordinator Yesenia Carrion was interviewed by the Spanish news outlet “El Planeta,” to discuss the COVID Eviction Legal Help Project and VLP's ongoing efforts to serve low-income owner-occupant landlords. Yesenia highlighted the issues people face while seeking assistance when they are elderly and if their first language is not English.
Executive Director Joanna Allison Esq. also appeared on Spark FM’s “Wake Up with Tayla Andre” show and did an amazing job balancing compassion, humor, and information. Joanna discussed VLP’s mission and the Covid Eviction Legal Help Project, fielded questions about COVID’s impact on our clients, discussed the differences between a Pro Bono Attorney and a court-appointed attorney, and more.
We are so proud of Joanna and Yesenia for spreading the word and reaching even more potential clients & volunteers!
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Our calendar is always growing! Stay in the loop by subscribing to our social media pages and checking out our list of events. We have several virtual trainings coming up led by our phenomenal staff attorneys.
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Wage & Hour Training
Thursday, 11/4 starting at 1 p.m.
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Consumer Debt Defense Training
Tuesday, 11/09 starting at 4 p.m.
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Unemployment Training
Wednesday, 11/10 starting at 1 p.m.
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Guardianship of Incapacitated Adults
Thursday, 11/18 starting at 1 p.m.
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Follow VLP on social media at any of the links below: |
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In September of 2021, we learned that a long-time friend of VLP, Paul M. Kane Esq., passed away.
For over 15 years, Paul anonymously sponsored Senior Partners for Justice (SPJ) luncheons, allowing SPJ members and other volunteers to enjoy the benefit of gathering monthly and learning from expert presenters. He mentored many of SPJ’s early volunteers. It was their great fortune to learn from this brilliant lawyer. Paul's kindness and legacy will not be forgotten, and we will carry the lessons he taught us in our hearts as we mourn his passing.
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“He was a dear personal friend and a strong supporter of Senior Partners for Justice. Not only was Paul a good and loyal friend, but he was also the co-founder of the legal aid clinic at Boston College. He was an early advocate of access to justice for all.”
-- Judge Edward Ginsburg (Ret)
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Karla Mojica Perez was recently promoted from Bankruptcy Paralegal to Senior Bilingual Paralegal! Karla has continued to go above and beyond, providing incredible support to our clients and to her coworkers. Her passion for justice is evident in all that she does and this promotion couldn't be more well-deserved.
Congratulations, Karla!
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Say "hello" to VLP's newest Directors, AmeriCorps Legal Advocates, Paralegals, and Administrative Assistant! |
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April Jones
Director of Finance & Operations
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Zalima Oliver
Director of People & Culture
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Rosana Arriaza
Bilingual Administrative Assistant
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Maya Chrobot
Multi-Unit Paralegal
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Camille Cummings
AmeriCorps Legal Advocate
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Paula Halliday
AmeriCorps Legal Advocate
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Camille Kerwin
DotHouse and Wills Paralegal
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Samantha Salamone
AmeriCorps Legal Advocate
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Lin Wang, Esq.
Housing and Appeals Staff Attorney
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If you or someone you know are interested in joining the VLP team you can check out our available positions here: |
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Thank you for all that you do!
Stay happy and healthy, VLP family!
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