Expansion of BronxWorks Legal Services | |
BronxWorks is proud to announce the expansion of our Legal Services department! Over the years, BronxWorks has provided an array of services addressing some of the most critical issues facing our Bronx neighbors, such as eviction prevention, among many others. Building on that legacy, in the fall of 2024, BronxWorks developed a full-service legal department spearheaded by Jerome Frierson, Esq., the new Vice President of Legal Services. As part of this departmental expansion, BronxWorks now joins other organizations and offers Right to Counsel services through our new Tenant Defense Program. Universal Access to Counsel is a New York City initiative introduced in 2017 that ensures the right to free legal representation for low-income New Yorkers facing eviction in housing court. While BronxWorks is one of the newest contractors to be part of this citywide initiative, the organization has always strived to keep our neighbors stably housed. | |
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"Housing insecurity is one of the most enduring and pressing challenges faced by low-income New Yorkers. The Right to Counsel initiative has been revolutionary in providing assistance to residents fighting to remain stably housed. This initiative is about much more than just legal representation—it's about ensuring lasting stability for the communities that make the Bronx strong."
Jerome Frierson, Esq.
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The Tenant Defense program is expected to handle over 1,300 housing matters annually, and supports clients with representation in eviction proceedings, administrative hearings, and appellate courts. Since its introduction in October 2024, the program has already served almost 400 individuals with critical legal assistance to safeguard their housing and economic stability. | |
BronxWorks also continues to provide crime victims law, domestic violence law, and immigration law services, led by Arturo Lopez, Esq., Associate Vice President of Legal Services. Under Jerome and Arturo’s leadership, the department is encouraged to serve clients with a holistic approach by connecting them to additional services offered by the agency, such as other prevention services, access to benefits, workforce development, and more. | |
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Jerome Frierson, Esq.
Vice President of Legal Services
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Jerome Frierson, Esq., joined BronxWorks as the first Vice President of Legal Services, as part of a vital programmatic expansion of the department. In this position, Jerome oversees the new Tenant Defense Program as well as other critical legal services offered by the organization. He comes to BronxWorks with over a decade of experience as a litigator fighting for New Yorkers struggling with housing stability. Born and raised in the South Bronx, Jerome is passionate about serving his community with these pivotal legal services. | |
“Growing up in the Bronx, I saw the housing crisis up close—families struggling to stay in their homes, rising rents, and gentrification reshaping neighborhoods. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a difference.” | |
#TeamBronxWorks Is Once Again Participating in The 2025 TD Five Boro Bike Tour! | |
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Did you know? You can join #TeamBronxWorks at the TD Five Boro Bike Tour on Sunday, May 4! When you ride for BronxWorks in the Bike Tour, you help raise money and awareness for children’s programs at our shelters for homeless families in the Bronx. As a charity rider, you would agree to raise a minimum of $750 for BronxWorks and would receive a preferred start time for the Bike Tour.
Learn more at www.bronxworks.org/biketour.
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Thank You To All of Our Holiday Donors!
BronxWorks is incredibly grateful to everyone who donated gifts and other items this holiday season! Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our donors, BronxWorks participants of all ages enjoyed presents, holiday activities, and celebrating with their neighbors throughout the season. In addition, each and every donation made towards the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal supports our community members and brings some extra holiday cheer to those in need. An enormous THANK YOU to Baby2Baby, Baychester Tenant Association, Capitolis, DSNY, FDNY Hispanic Society, Happy Hope Factory, Montefiore, Nixon Peabody, NYPD, Winter Wishes, The Willie and Aikisha Colon Foundation, and all the individual donors who supported BronxWorks during the holiday season.
Click here to see more pictures of our holiday celebrations!
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BronxWorks Hosts First Inaugural Legislative Breakfast
BronxWorks recently hosted our first inaugural Legislative Breakfast with local, state, and federal elected officials and their key staff members in attendance. Representatives of BronxWorks, including staff, board members, and program participants, also joined the breakfast, and some spoke to the audience about the organization's impact. The objective of the event was to highlight programmatic and funding priorities for the upcoming year. Thank you to all who attended, and special thanks to Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, our Keynote Speaker.
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BronxWorks Offers Seasonal Tax Services
Tax time is here! BronxWorks offers free tax services to qualifying New Yorkers at several of our locations through the NYC Free Tax Prep program. BronxWorks certified tax professionals work with participants to ensure they are filing their taxes correctly and claiming tax credits to which they are entitled.
Learn more about our tax services and book an appointment online at www.bronxworks.org/taxes. Appointments are available in-person or virtually.
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Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the
BronxWorks Pyramid Safe Haven
The BronxWorks Pyramid Safe Haven celebrated 10 years of serving the community this month. A brief ceremony was held where staff both current and former shared their stories of the early days of the Safe Haven and the expansion of the program since 2015. Current and former shelter residents also shared their stories of success and thanked the various BronxWorks staff who worked with them to achieve their goals. Some longtime staff and residents who made their mark on staff were also thanked with certificates and small gifts. The ceremony closed with a moment of silence for residents who had passed away in years past and the unveiling of a new wall art project in the all-purpose room in the shelter, a pyramid that will be filled with pictures.
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Save the Date! The BronxWorks 2025 Lifting Lives Gala will take place on Wednesday, May 7! We are excited to once again return to the New York Botanical Garden to host our gala and we hope to see you there! Stay tuned for more updates to come by subscribing to our mailing list. | |
Bronx residents are in need of warm clothing and other essentials as the temperatures continue to drop this winter season. Donate new coats and other winter clothing directly to children and adults in BronxWorks programs today. You can purchase items off of our Wishlist here, or you may ship new items to: BronxWorks, ATTN: Development, 60 E. Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10453. | | | | |
