2015
Annual Report Practice . Teach . Improve
A message from the President & CEO and Board Chair I am constantly amazed by the dedication, creativity and compassion of our staff. They breathe deep and work shoulder-to-shoulder with clients at critical times – a family facing the loss of their home, a young mother struggling to find affordable health care for her children, a refugee denied the most basic of economic support, a worker confronting the refusal of their employee to pay their wages. I am so thankful when I see our staff roll up their sleeves and dig in, moving beyond their individual clients to challenge the underlying flaws and failures of our safety net and the lack of fairness in our justice system. They take these issues on at a systemic level, seeking to change the very laws that drive such unfairness. This multi-pronged approach to ‘justice for all’ – in the community, in the courts and in the legislature – improves the system itself so the next family is better protected. Not content to leave it there, our staff reaches out to teach others, empowering clients with knowledge and information. They alert other advocates to changes in the law that impact the individuals and families they serve, and highlight new strategies that prove effective in avoiding court, and more importantly, avoiding unjust outcomes. It is a powerful circle of services and we simply couldn’t do it all without your support and encouragement. On behalf of our Board, our staff and our clients, we say Thank You – together we are making the law work for all New Yorkers.
Anne Erickson President and CEO
Christine Rutigliano Board Chair
Empire Justice Center 2015 Board of Directors Christine Rutigliano, Chair The Roffe Group
Hon. John J. LaFalce Hogan Willig
JoAnn Smith, Vice Chair Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Lynn Levey Syracuse University College of Law
Candice Lucas, Secretary Univ. of Rochester Medical Center, Center for Community Health
Jim Rahmlow Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co. LLP
Michael T. Harren, Treasurer Trevett Cristo Salzer & Andolina
Lauren Tobias Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy
Edward F. Premo II, Chair of External Affairs Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Sara Valencia City of Rochester
Raymond Brescia Albany Law School
Melanie S. Wolk Trevett Cristo Salzer & Andolina
Latonia Early Friedman & Friedman
All directors serve as volunteers.
2015 Leadership Team Anne Erickson, President and CEO Bryan Hetherington, Chief Counsel
Kristin Brown, VP for Policy and Governmental Relations Kristi Hughes, VP for Administration and Development
We Make the Law Work
Practice
Teach
Improve
We Practice the Law
Stabilized individuals and communities through the Disability Advocacy Project
For people who have severe disabilities a small amount of assistance often means the difference between devastating poverty and stability. However, the process of applying for and receiving this federal disability assistance can be confusing and burdensome, and made worse by months of waiting. In fact, more than 60% of those who apply are denied, and must go before a judge to appeal the denial. These barriers not only intensify a person’s financial instability, but they cost the state thousands of dollars in temporary and emergency assistance when people are wrongfully denied or have had their federal benefits discontinued. Empire Justice Center’s Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) provides legal assistance to the most severely disabled adults and children who have been denied Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSD), and are unable to make their case before a judge without legal assistance. This essential support not only helps individuals with disabilities to gain stability, but also brings back hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to state and local communities.
Secured $41,530 in stolen wages for low-income workers
Employees who earn their wages deserve to be paid. But all too often exploitative employers hide or transfer their assets and refuse to pay their employees — essentially stealing the employee’s earnings. Not only is this a problem for the worker, who relies on their wages to pay rent and buy food, but it also renders our minimum wage and overtime laws useless when people are unable to collect the wages they earn. The Workers’ Rights Project at Empire Justice Center addresses the growing wage theft epidemic and workers’ rights violations by empowering low-wage and immigrant workers through community organizing, education, impact litigation and bottom-up policy reform. In 2015 alone we returned $41,530 in stolen wages to workers.
Used data to ensure timely access to public benefits
Access to public assistance, public health coverage and Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is critical to the financial stability of low-income New Yorkers. By law local Social Services are required to process applications for these forms of assistance in a timely manner (generally one to three months). The harm caused by a longer proceesing time is devastating — waiting months on end for assistance can drive lowincome families and individuals further into poverty, into homelessness and into crisis. Empire Justice attorneys brought class action lawsuits against seven social service districts. We now also monitor and anlyze data from a total of 20 districts that have been identified by our clients or other legal services programs for non-compliance with this law. With this information Empire Justice can see if applicants are subjected to unlawful waiting times and take action if necessary.
Court of Appeals rules: Veteran paid off public assistance, State ordered to give back lottery winnings
For five years Walter Carver, a retired Vietnam veteran, worked 35 hours every week at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, sweeping floors, picking up trash, and salting the ferry walkways in the winter. He was assigned this work by the New York City welfare agency in exchange for his public assistance grant — Food Stamps and $352 per month to live on. Seven years later, he hit it big — he bought a lottery ticket and won $10,000. But the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) took $5,000, claiming that he had to repay the debt that he owed for receiving Food Stamps and public assistance. In addition to taking half his winnings, the state witheld taxes against the entire $10,000 amount, leaving Mr. Carver with even less than half his share. Empire Justice took on the case and argued that the value of a person’s work should count against the debt that is generated when they receive public assistance. By working in exchange for public assistance, Mr. Carver had already paid back his debt. The Court of Appeals agreed and ruled in his favor, saying he could keep his lottery winnings which were originally “recouped” from him. OTDA was ordered to return the winnings to Mr. Carver.
Investing in smart economics For every $1 invested in the Disability Advocacy Program, $3 are returned to the state.
What is Workfare? New York State is the only state to consider public assistance to be a loan, and thus a debt owed to the state. When a person who receives public assistance is able to work, the social services district often assigns them to “workfare” or work in exchange for public assistance. The Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Mr. Carver, stating that individuals must be given credit for the value of their work to reduce the “debt” created by their receipt of public assistance. This ruling has the potential to impact thousands of New Yorkers who work in exchange for public assistance each year.
In 2015 alone, our Disability Advocacy helped bring back $648,329 to people with disabilities, and $147,145 in savings to New York tax payers.
Direct Legal Aid
During 2015 Empire Justice provided direct civil legal aid in these areas of law:
Consumer 3% Education 6% Workers’ Rights 3% Family 2% Disability Advocacy 9%
LGBT and Individual Rights 3% Health 43% Housing 9% Public Benefits 4% Immigration 18%
Enhanced Capacity Empire Justice provided 188 trainings to attorneys and nonprofit advocates, benefiting over 5,811 participants in a variety of legal areas:
Benefits Civil Rights Consumer Disability Advocacy Domestic Violence Employment Health Housing Immigration LGBT Rights
Supported New Americans In 2015 Empire Justice:
454
Assisted new Americans with applications for citizenship or naturalization
507
Provided immigration law consultations to new Americans These critical services enable new Americans to avoid scams and notarios.
We Teach the Law
“ “ ”
Increased access for limited English speakers
Everyone should have the opportunity to access basic life essentials, such as food, housing, or health care, even if that person speaks another language or has a national origin other than “American.” And though this belief is reflected in our national and local laws and policies, many New Yorkers will tell you: it is not lived. Many families who do not read or understand English well are wrongfully denied or turned away from basic necessities — such as emergency assistance or child care — because governmental agencies do not provide interpretation or translation of essential documents, even though they are mandated to do so by law. In addition to providing education and advocacy on language access issues, Empire Justice represents individuals and families in a range of legal issues that are exacerbated by a language barrier. Our advocacy and education supports the 261,000 individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) on Long Island.
Responded to the need for training and support
Specialized trainings are critical to allowing busy attorneys and non-profit advocates to use the newest legal strategies and developments to help their clients. Empire Justice offers trainings in over 10 legal areas, and spearheads statewide Task Forces that focus on protecting and defending the rights of disenfranchised and lowincome communities. Empire Justice trainings are highly recognized for their quality and substance. For instance, within just 24 hours of releasing a Domestic Violence-related training announcement all the attendee slots were immediately filled. The training focused on enhancing capacity and substantive legal knowledge for attorneys that handle domestic violence cases, and gave attendees real-world scenarios and one-on-one feedback with specialists in the field. This quick and energetic response demonstrates the desire and need for practical skills programming. As a leader of the statewide Domestic Violence Task Force, Empire Justice recognized and responded to the demand for a hands-on training.
I found this training extremely helpful, especially as a new attorney. By far one of the best CLEs I have ever attended.
Removed barriers to health care
“Every person deserves to have access to health care”- although this ideal continues to shape health related laws and policies, many people still face illegal obstacles in obtaining the health services they need. But Empire Justice is breaking down those barriers across the state on a daily basis. Not only do we provide direct legal services and representation of individuals and families when they are denied access to health care, but we are also broadly recognized as highly knowledgeable advocates delivering a multitude of services, such as: community presentations, trainings, and answers to technical assistance requests. This assistance empowers individuals and their advocates to understand and assert their rights to their health and medical care.
Empowered new Americans to become citizens
For new Americans, navigating the complexities of our immigration system can be incredibly intimidating, especially considering the consequences of a simple misstep: extensive delays in processing, ineligibility of a certain immigration status, and even the threat of deportation. While providing trainings and counsel and advice may seem relatively simple, in the immigration context it can be life altering. Our advocates provide critical information regarding eligibility and applications, potential ramifications for errors in the application process, and basic legal rights. Understanding the legal remedies available is crucial to avoiding scams and notarios. Additionally, Empire Justice provides training to other attorneys and advocates, as well as staff and volunteers at Office for New Americans (ONA) Opportunity Centers. Our training and support helps immigrant advocates move quickly and decisively in an otherwise complex and slow-moving legal field.
We Improve the Law
Our in-depth analysis exposed systemic issues
Many service providers and advocates tell us that they know there are wide-spread issues arising in our communities, but they are not able to explain to policy makers the breadth of the problem — they must focus on their primary role of providing their clients with the services they need. Empire Justice Center’s comprehensive “PracticeTeach-Improve” legal strategy allows us to serve those in need, while also demonstrating the breadth of the issue and advocating for comprehensive change at a higher level. In 2015 Empire Justice released five influential reports that: • Called for a raise in New York’s Shelter and Fuel Allowances, ensuring that low-income New Yorkers have housing and heat; • Analyzed mortgage lending disparities on Long Island, and promoted state and federal policy recommendations that allow low-income communities and communities of color to have a fair chance at economic opportunity; • Showcased how recent mortgage lending practices hindered communities of color from participating fully in the American Dream of homeownership; • Documented and called for the end of various “asset tests” imposed on people who receive public assistance, requiring them to drain most types of basic-yet-essential savings and assets before receiving certain public benefits; • Detailed the ongoing foreclosure damage in Rochester and across the state, and offered solutions that allow municipalities to take proactive strategies for neighborhood stabilization.
Affirmed the rights of transgender students
Every person should be able to attend school without being subjected to bigotry or hate. But discrimination and harassment against transgender and gender nonconforming students in our state’s schools is well-documented and has persisted for far too long. Which is why Empire Justice, along with the Empire State Pride Agenda and the New York Civil Liberties Union, drafted guidance that provides clear direction on gender inclusion in schools, and gives clear guidelines on how to comply with relevant federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. And thankfully, in 2015, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) adopted this guidance. It will serve as a crucial resource for school administrators, parents, and students and will be a valuable tool to affirm the rights of all students.
Ensured a $3 million increase in health care funding for 2016
With the major changes in health care and the roll-out of the New York State of Health Marketplace, equipping consumers with information about their options is necessary, especially when they encounter problems in accessing health care. Community Health Advocates (CHA) is a statewide network of community-based organizations that help New Yorkers and small businesses to understand their coverage and resolve billing and coverage denials. Federal funding for CHA was set to expire in July, 2015, but Empire Justice urged Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature to make health care accessible. The Governor and the State Legislature partnered together and not only kept the program going, but increased the funding to $3 million for 2016.
Boosted $5 million in new funding for Child Care
Working parents must have access to child care, but increasingly more and more families struggle to afford it. And even though New York provides subsidized child care for low-income families, many are still unable to access it — the funding allocations provided to each county are not sufficient to serve all eligible families. In previous years many districts stopped enrolling new families althogether, even at lower eligibility levels. So even if a family qualified for subsidized child care assistance, they may not have had access to it. As a key leader of the Winning Beginning NY coalition, Empire Justice recognized this pitfall and successfully promoted an increase for child care subsidies in the 2015 budget. This funding will help more working families remain employed, while also providing children and families with the licensed child care they need.
All families deserve access to affordable child care Many parents rely on child care so they can work and
support their families
Due to a lack of funding, lowincome parents could not access affordable child care,
even if they were eligible
Empire Justice successfully advocated for an increase for child care subsidies,
bringing child care opportunities to more New York families.
In 2015 C.A.S.H helped ensure:
C.A.S.H. operates free, highquality tax preparation sites throughout Monroe County. IRS Certified volunteers prepare and electronically file federal and NYS tax returns for free.
15,551 Families filed tax returns
$27.4M Total tax refunds went to low-income workers, helping them put food on the table and save for the future
$12.4M Earned Income Tax Credits went to hardworking families
We Innovate for Opportunity
Cultivated a strategic partnership to prevent foreclosures Empire Justice serves as one of two Anchor Partners for the Office of the NYS Attorney General’s Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP). As an Anchor Partner, we are responsible for the administration and management of contracts with 62 housing counseling and legal services agencies throughout the state and outside of New York City. Empire Justice provides direct training, technical assistance and support to the staff of the funded agencies. In 2015 we conducted 14 webinar trainings and three in-person trainings on complex legal issues and strategies for foreclosure prevention. This partnership allows advocates across the state to collaborate and spot widespread systemic issues. Also as Anchor Partner, we collect and analyze data from the 62 housing counseling and legal services agencies that we serve. By ensuring complete and accurate data, as well as sophisticated analysis, we provide the Attorney General with detailed information on the state of foreclosures in New York. This enables those at a higher level to continue investigating the banks that played a role in the economic and foreclosure crisis.
By providing feedback and strategic communication to foreclosure prevention advocates, we are able to move quickly as a group on systemic issues, and have a far greater impact on foreclosure prevention statewide.
Ambassadors program named ‘Best of’ by NYS Health Foundation Empire Justice administers the Ambassador for Coverage program, which provides critical outreach and education about the New York State Health Marketplace. Through a grant funded by the New York State Health Foundation, Empire Justice administers grants to 20 organizations across New York State to become Ambassadors for Coverage. Comprised of Child Care Councils, Community Action Programs, and nonprofit organizations that serve immigrant and LGBTQ populations, the Ambassadors reach individuals who may otherwise not have access to health care. During the second year of this initiative, Ambassadors directly connected with over 38,000 hard-to-reach individuals as well as over 1 million New Yorkers through a variety of media sources, such as social media, newspapers and radio.
C.A.S.H. program is top dollar
Empire Justice Center’s Creating Assets Savings and Hope (C.A.S.H.) program helps working families GET, KEEP, and GROW their money by providing free income tax return preparation. In 2015 alone 15,551 C.A.S.H. families received $27.4M in tax returns, including $12.4M in Earned Income Tax Credits. The C.A.S.H. Coach program offers free one-on-one financial coaching to working people in a group and individual setting. With the help of trained volunteer coaches, participants learn to manage their money and improve their financial future through achieving realistic, measureable, and attainable financial goals. The program is a collaboration with the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester. In 2015 the C.A.S.H. Coach program saw an average improvement in savings-to-debt at $6,639 per person, and the average participant improved their credit score by 10.46 points.
We Celebrate Success
Pictured from left to right: Justin Vigdor, Senior Counsel, Bond Schoeneck & King; Anne Erickson, President and CEO of Empire Justice Center; Joe Casion, Partner at Harter Secrest & Emery LLP; Mary C. Loewenguth, former Executive Director of Monroe County Bar Association.
A Celebration of Leadership
In May, 2015, friends and supporters of Empire Justice came together to honor Mary C. Loewenguth and Joe Casion. Mary has been a friend and champion of legal services in the Greater Rochester Area community since she took on the leadership of the Monroe County Bar Association, and the Foundation of the Monroe County Bar, in 2001. Through her efforts, we finally realized the twenty-plus year dream of co-location of Rochester legal service providers and the creation of the Telesca Center for Justice. Mary helped blend the energy of the private bar with the needs of the civil legal services community in a way that builds on and supports the expertise and strength of each. And she carried that passion with her all the way to the US District Court for the Western District of New York, where she now serves as the Court Clerk. Her passion and energy knows no bounds and we were honored to honor her. Joe Casion brought his experience, insight and leadership to the table as a Board member and Board Chair in a way that both challenged and supported Empire Justice. During his six years on our Board, he helped make incremental but fundamental changes, breathing new energy, clarity and direction into the Board that will sustain us as we keep growing and moving forward. Joe’s ability to work the details of Board service while maintaining the overarching vision for our organization has left a wonderful and powerful mark – we cannot thank him enough and we were thrilled to celebrate him for his leadership.
An Honorable Team
C.A.S.H. Director, Berta Rivera
Each year Empire Justice staff members receive dozens of awards and recognition for their tenacious advocacy and outstanding service to the people of New York and the legal profession. Listed below is a snapshot of the awards we received in 2015: Cheryl Keshner- Awarded Advocate of the Year by Sepa Mujer Berta Rivera- RIT Distinguished Alumni Award Jackie Saavedra- Honored by Long Island Jobs for Justice Amy Schwartz- Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys (GRAWA)’s Ally Windsor Howell Champion of Diversity Award Barbara Weiner- Honored by The Legal Project Bryan Hetherington- Named Co-Chair of the Committee on Legal Aid of the New York State Bar Association
2015 Staff
Saima Akhtar, Senior Staff Attorney Susan Antos, Senior Staff Attorney Reena Arora, Staff Attorney Linda Bennett-Rodriguez, Staff Attorney Susan Bonkowski, C.A.S.H. Administrative Assistant Kristin Brown, VP for Policy & Governmental Relations Ray Burke, Staff Attorney Rebecca Caico, Senior Staff Attorney Kate Callery, Senior Staff Attorney Gladys Castro, Senior Administrative Assistant Rob Cisneros, Staff Attorney Rebecah Corcoran, Senior Manager of Human Resources Doris Cortes, Senior Paralegal Marlene Cortés, Paralegal Maria DeGennaro, Staff Attorney Peter Dellinger, Senior Staff Attorney Amanda Doroshow, Staff Attorney Jim Dukette, Paralegal Anne Erickson, President & CEO Jonathan Feldman, Senior Staff Attorney LJ Fisher, Senior Staff Attorney Tamara Frazier, Manager for Policy & Governmental Relations Don Friedman, Senior Staff Attorney Jane Gabriele, Staff Attorney Amanda Gallipeau, Health Law Coordinator Phoebe Garcia, Administrative Assistant Mike Green, IT Manager Angela Hale, Paralegal Geoffrey Hale, Senior Staff Attorney Mike Hanley, Senior Staff Attorney Linda Hassberg, Senior Staff Attorney Bryan Hetherington, Chief Counsel Hugh Higgins, CFO Kristi Hughes, VP for Administration & Development Jennifer Karr, Staff Attorney Kirsten Keefe, Senior Staff Attorney Jack Kelly, NYS MAP Coordinator
Ann Kennedy, Finance Manager Cheryl Keshner, Senior Paralegal Elizabeth Koo, 2015-17 Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellow LaToya Lee, Staff Attorney Amy Lowenstein, Senior Staff Attorney Catherine (Cate) Lynch, Staff Attorney Ruhi Maker, Senior Staff Attorney Alex Maroselli, Program & Marketing Manager Mayra Melendez, Immigrant Justice Corps Fellow Tracy Merlau, C.A.S.H. Outreach & Volunteer Manager Muriel Miller, Paralegal Elizabeth Nicolas, Staff Attorney Remla Parthasarathy, Staff Attorney Ellie Pepper, HOPP Anchor Partner Regional Coordinator Michelle Peterson, Training Manager Milo Primeaux, Staff Attorney Kevin Purcell, Staff Attorney Berta Rivera, C.A.S.H. Director Maggie Robb, Staff Attorney Cathy Roberts, Senior Paralegal Mabel Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant Jackeline Saavedra, Staff Attorney Julia Sáenz, 2013-15 Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellow Tania Santiago, Administrative Assistant Amy Schwartz, Senior Staff Attorney Kelli Shaffner, Grants & Development Manager Elizabeth (Liz) Siegel, Staff Attorney Kristin Small, Staff Attorney Shannon Swiatek, NYS MAP Coordinator Nabila Taj, Immigrant Justice Corps Fellow Louise Tarantino, Senior Staff Attorney Brandon Vesely, Paralegal Elizabeth Vanasdale, Executive Assistant Barb van Kerkhove, Researcher/Policy Analyst Barbara Weiner, Senior Staff Attorney Connie Wiggins, Administrative Assistant Fiona Wolfe, Staff Attorney
With Gratitude...
Because of your support we were able to move quickly and aggressively in response to changes in laws and regulations that affect the lives of low-income people.
Individual Support This listing reflects gifts received or dated between the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. The giving level acknowledges the total donations during this time period. Gifts received or dated after December 31, 2015 will be recognized in the 2016 Annual Report.
$1,000 and over
Catherine Callery and Michael Nazar, M.D. Anne Erickson Betsy Friedman Bryan and Susan Hetherington Ed Lopez-Soto and Patricia Braus Edward F. Premo, II James Rahmlow Carolyn Reardon and Peter O’Brian Dellinger Christine Rutigliano and John Casellini JoAnn Smith
$500 - $999
Amy Choskey and Joseph Cohn Judy and David Gilberg Michael T. and Patricia Harren Edward and Bridget Dee Hourihan Catherine Samuels Nancy D. and David M. Schraver
$250 - $499
Raymond Brescia Steve and Dean Brown Larry and Sandy Cohn Mark Davitt Nadia Gareeb Geoffrey Hale and Alison Parker Kristi and Shawn Hughes
Greg Kamp Marcia and John Keefe Kathy Lewis Mary C. Loewenguth Thomas Maligno Frederick Marshall Betsy Naumburg. M.D. and Carl Hoffman Peter Oddleifson and Kay Wallace Patricia I. O’Neill and Robert Devilleneuve Helen Reagan René Reixach Ruth and Scott Smith Anthony Suchman, M.D. Sandy and Rick Thau
$100 - $249
Jen Arbore Janet Axelrod Peter Belmont Theresa Beltrani Alan B. Block Daan and Lorraine Braveman Judith and Robert Brenna Frederic J. and Susan Buse Cristiane Camparim June Castellano Elaine and William Cole Richard Conti Mary Ellen and Mark Curley Brian Curran Michael E. Davis Lew Golinker and Joy Blumkin Toni D. and Dwight Greenlee Peter and Joan Danziger Trilby de Jung Daniel DeMarle Michael Dwyer Stanley and Judy Engerman Jonathan Feldman and Alison Helms Martin Feldman and Greta Matus Feldman Timothy Fennell Don and Ruth Mary Forsyth Henry Freedman
Asher Fried Simeon Goldman Mike and Trish Harren Alan and Patricia Harris Linda Hassberg and Douglas Koritz Gloria Jean Howard Lora Hudson Surendar Jeyadev and Mala Gupta Matthew and Barbara Kelly Karen Kinter Hon. Joan Kohout Hon. John J. LaFalce Jane and Phil Lange David Lansner Hon. David G. and Karen Larimer C. Bruce Lawrence Susan and Phillip Lederer James Littwitz Luisa Martinez Richard Menaker and Faith Ritchie Ira Mendelson Daniel Meyers June C. and Thomas Monks Lewis Montemaggi Dave A. Munro Lynn Neugebauer Karen Nicholson Julie Novkov and Joel Bloom Remla Parthasarathy Douglas Potter and Gregory Partridge Hon. Marian Payson and Helen Wiley Louis Prieto and Sara Baughan Maureen Richardson Allan Rodgers Leslie Salzman Barbara Samuels Daniel Sanders Melinda Saran Betsy Schneider Elaine and Nicolas Sekreta Kelli Shaffner Ron Tabak Vinu Thomas Anita Thayer and William Ritchie Kenneth Thompson Samuel O. Tilton
Thank You! $100 - $249 continued
Lauren Tobias and David Wallingford Erin Tobin Barb and John van Kerkhove Jerry Wein Lois Wilson Michael and Beatrice Wolford Hon. Ellen Yacknin and Cathy Mazzotta Karen D. Yaniga Robin Young
$1- $99
Anonymous (1) Enrique Abarca Ruth and Richard Arnold Louise Bennett Joyce Berkowitz Richard Bird Gregory Brown Eileen Buholtz Michael James Burgess Paul William Bush William and Carol Carreo Jim and Meg Cashen Joseph and Kathia Casion Diane Cecero Rome Celli Kimberly and Michael Celona Alan S. and Roselle Chartock Dianne Chipman Eugene and Joyce Clifford Mark and Nicki Cottle Patricia Culley John and Mary Ellen Dennis Danica Miller Eskind Jean and Sandra Frattura Don Friedman Betty Gaston Marjorie Geiger Nancy A. and Barry Gombert Maritza Gomez Cruz Herb B. and Shirley G. Gordon Jim and Suki Grossman Mary and James Hale Russ Haven Paul Houndt
We are humbled by the generosity of our friends and colleagues across the state and the country. Please know that your support makes a difference and allows us to meet our promise of making the law work for all New Yorkers.
Susan Huette Bob Ingram Barbara Johnson Dawn Kaminski Louis and Irasema de la Torre Kash J. Russell Langwig Diane and Robert Larter Mary Leary Sarah Liebschutz Daniel Lowenstein Roseanne Lucianek H. Jeffrey Marcus Gerald McIntyre James Mickles Thomas Morrisey Cindy Navarro Martin S. Needelman Peter Newell Elisabeth Novak Hon. Ann E. Pfeiffer and Ward Hartenstein Joyce Pike Frances Pizzola Rob and Laurie Plattner Geri Pomerantz Bruce Popper Michelle Redonnet Richard Rochford Kristina and John Rogers Hon. Richard D. and Beatrice Rosenbloom Dan and Judy Ross Harriette Royer Arlene Schenker and Howard L. Schenker, M.D. Melissa Schiff Shirley Frannie Sobczak Margie Staker Mary and Doug Staropoli Barry Strom Catherine Strong Katherine A. and William Thompson Jon and Bethene Trexel Paul and Amy van Kerkhove Michael Wargula Gwynne Wilcox
Wayne C. Willis and Susan Medoff Willis Jo and Paul Wilson Mary Withington Doreen Wohl Alan Zieglar Charlie Zinn Leon N. Zoghlin M.D. and Sarisa Zoghlin
Honor and Memorial Gifts In Honor of Joe Casion Dave A. Munro In Memory of Hanna Cohn Ruth and Richard Arnold Joseph and Amy Choskey Larry and Sandy Cohn Judy and David Gilberg Sandy and Rick Thau In Memory of Doris M. Erickson Anne Erickson In Honor of Jonathan Feldman Martin and Greta Matus Feldman In Honor of Mary C. Loewenguth Michael E. Davis Roseanne Lucianek Hamilton Stern In Honor of Michele Pizzola Frances Pizzola In Honor of Barbara Weiner Lois Wilson
If we omitted or misspelled your name, please accept our apologies and contact Kelli Shaffner, Grants and Development Manager at (585) 295-5814 or kshaffner@empirejustice.org.
With Gratitude...
Because of your support we were able to move quickly and aggressively in response to changes in laws and regulations that affect the lives of low-income people.
Foundation, Organization, Government Support Corporation Support City of Rochester Bank of America Charitable Foundation Barbaruolo Law Firm, P.C. Christ Community Reformed Church Citizens Bank Foundation ESL Charitable Foundation The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation First Niagara Bank Foundation First Unitarian Church Hannah S. Cohn and Samuel A. Cohn Memorial Foundation Hanna S. Cohn Memorial Fund, RACF Horace Hagedorn Foundation JPMorgan Chase Foundation KeyBank Foundation Levey Family Foundation, RACF Mazon: A Jewish Response To Hunger New York Bar Foundation New York State Health Foundation New York State Interest On Lawyer Account Fund (IOLA) Reid, McNally and Savage, LLC Richard and Vicki Schwartz Fund, RACF Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Rochester Area Community Foundation Rochester Women’s Giving Circle Fund, RACF LGBT Giving Circle of Greater Rochester, RACF Schneider and Palscik United Way of Greater Rochester United Way WorldWide Youth Policy Institute
NYS Office of the Attorney General NYS Department of State NYS Dept. of Criminal Justice Services NYS Dept. of Health AIDS Institute NYS Office for New Americans NYS Office for The Aging NYS Office of Court Administration NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance NYS Office of Victim Services Orange County Department of Social Services US Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Subcontracts with Other Agencies Catholic Family Center, Rochester Center for NYC Neighborhoods Community Health Care Association of NYS Community Service Society Legal Action Center Legal Services of the Hudson Valley Medicare Rights Center
Celebration of Leadership Event
Leadership Sponsor
JP Morgan Chase Harter Secrest and Emery, LLP
Counsel Sponsors
Phillips Lytle LLP Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC John Purcell
Advocate Sponsors
Farash Foundation Davidson Fink LLP Rochester RHIO, Healthvantics Modica Law Firm The Housing Council at Pathstone New York State Bar Foundation Peter M. Blauvelt, Esq. Counsel Press The Friendly Home The NY Daily Record Kammholz Messina, LLP Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Harris Beach PLLC
Gifts Designated through SEFA, CFC and the Gifts through United Way James A. Bird Nancy Dann Timothy Davis Ellen Johnson Michael Looby Janet Lovejoy Paul D. Macaulay Morag Martin Alexander Morris-Bouza Ryan Tucker Susan Zajac
2015 Financials 2015 Support & Revenue
These financial statements cover the fiscal year January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015, and are unaudited. Empire Justice will receive an annual audit in June, 2016.
Grants & Contracts: $6,474,733 Contributions: $464,627 Other fees: $727,456 C.A.S.H. Contributions: $357,815 Interest: $2,632
2015 Total Support & Revenue: $8,027,263
2015 Expenses Program Personnel: $4,663,682 Contract Services/ Subcontracts to Partners: $1,191,081 Occupancy: $269,256 Office & Related Expenses: $587,452 General & Administrative: $1,181,982
2015 Total Expenses: $7,893,453
The Balance Sheet Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Receivables Property and Equipment Other Assets Total Assets
$26,252 $2,360,241 $78,065 $514,348 $2,978,906
Liabilities and Net Assets Current Liabilities Total Liabilities
$1,315,028 $1,315,028
Net Assets Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Total Net Assets
$1,333,330 $330,548 $1,663,878
Total Liabilities and Net Assets $2,978,906
We Make the Law Work A Dog for Devyn Hannah, a Bovier service dog, takes her job very seriously. She watches over eight year old Devyn, alerting Devyn’s mom and teachers to oncoming seizures, and providing mobility supports that allow Devyn to walk independently, among other crucial services. This essential accommodation allows Devyn to participate fully in her education along with the other kids in her class. But her school refuses to allow her to attend with the service dog unless the family hires a private, full-time handler. This refusal, in our view, violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and has already cost the family thousands of dollars. Empire Justice filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, advocating for Devyn’s right to act as Hannah’s handler at school with some minimal assistance from school staff. The Department of Justice (DOJ) agreed with us, and ordered the district to assist Devyn. But the district refused, and in 2015 the DOJ filed a lawsuit against the school district. Empire Justice is proud to support Devyn and her family, as well as the thousands of children that require similar accommodations.
Translated tribulation into meaningful language access Claudette*, a Haitian Creole-speaking mother went to her daughter’s school to ask for help in applying for child care assistance and food stamps. She was pregnant, and already had a daughter with severe mental and physical disabilities, so she was trying to prepare for and take care of her growing family. We believe that the school misunderstood her request, feared she was leaving her daughter unattended at home alone while she worked the night shift, and contacted Child Protective Services (CPS) to initiate an investigation. But Claudette was not leaving her daughter unattended—she had a friend take care of the child while she worked. When the CPS worker came to speak with her, the language barrier was immediately apparent. Even so, Claudette was never provided an interpreter, and didn’t know what the worker was investigating, or even what governmental agency the CPS worker represented. Even after that encounter, Claudette was continually sent essential documents and notices only in English even though the CPS worker assigned to her case knew she did not speak or understand that language. After having a friend translate the letters CPS sent her, she realized the gravity of the situation and came to Empire Justice for help. Her Empire Justice attorney contacted the agency and explained that the mother did not speak English and did not understand why she was being investigated. Her attorney explained that Claudette did not have the opportunity to provide her side of the story to CPS, and under county and state law CPS was mandated to provide her with interpretation and translation. However, CPS still issued a notice that they had “substantiated” charges of child neglect and maltreatment. When Claudette received this life altering notice in the mail she couldn’t even read it—it only came in English. But her attorney didn’t back down, she escalated the case to the state office that oversees CPS requesting the case be amended as unfounded and have her record sealed. She also filed a language access complaint with the county and state agencies involved, as not providing Claudette with interpretation meant they were not complying with the law. And after months of diligent and tenacious advocacy, her Empire Justice attorney convinced the agency to remove the wrongful indication from the mother’s record. Claudette started receiving the notices from the county in Haitian Creole, and CPS staff members were required to complete language access training that informed them of their duty to provide meaningful access to services. *name has been changed
Doggedly defending access to education Each year Empire Justice helps hundreds of students obtain the educational services and/or accommodations they need, such as: Smaller, individualized classroom settings
Specialized reading instructors
Devices that offer speechto-text technology
These services and accommodations allow students to participate fully in their education.
Empire Justice Center Albany ♦ Long Island ♦ Rochester ♦ Westchester www.empirejustice.org
We Make the Law Work.