NYS Senator John Bonacic secures funding for LSHV's Veterans Unit

WHITE PLAINS, NY -- Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), the only provider of comprehensive civil legal services to those that cannot afford it in the seven counties of the lower and mid-Hudson Valley, was awarded a grant through the New York State Legislature thanks to the assistance of New York State Senators John Bonacic and William Larkin. Senator Bonacic represents the 42nd District, including Sullivan County and parts of Orange, Ulster, and Delaware Counties. Senator Larkin represents the 39th District, including parts of Ulster, Orange, and Rockland Counties.

The $200,000 grant jointly secured by Senator Bonacic and Senator Larkin will support LSHV’s Veterans and Military Families Advocacy Project (VMFAP). This Project provides representation to those who have served, including those suffering from trauma, injuries, or facing denial of benefits, eviction, foreclosure or predatory consumer practices. As of last year, just under 100,000 Veterans lived in the Hudson Valley. Speaking of the grant, Senator Bonacic said, "I'm pleased to partner with Senator Larkin to provide this grant to Legal Services of the Hudson Valley. The Veterans and Military Families Advocacy Project is one of the many worthwhile programs and initiatives that Legal Services of the Hudson Valley provides, and I am glad to support this great organization."

In 2017, LSHV’s VMFAP attorneys handled 583 cases, impacting more than 1,000 household members. 33% of those cases were related to housing matters, 20% to income maintenance/veterans’ benefits, and 16% to domestic violence and family law.

Additionally, Senator Bonacic will be retiring at the end of his current term. “From the Board, staff, and clients at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley – we wish Senator Bonacic the best of luck in his coming retirement, and we thank him for his partnership and generous support over the years,” said LSHV's CEO Barbara Finkelstein.

Founded in 1967, LSHV is the only provider in the Hudson Valley of free, comprehensive, legal services in civil matters (noncriminal) for individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney when their basic human needs are at stake. This includes urgent legal needs such as: domestic violence (orders of protection, child custody, etc.), housing emergencies (eviction and foreclosure prevention), healthcare, children's law and advocacy, disability and benefits, elder law, consumer fraud and more. In pursuit of this mission, LSHV maintains a staff of 136 individuals, including 82 attorneys and 27 paralegals working across eight offices throughout our service area.

For more information about Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, to volunteer, or contribute, please visit www.lshv.org, or contact Tom Gabriel, Chief Development Officer, at 914-949-1305 ext 160.

Photo: (L-R): Lauren Sheeley, Attorney in Charge of LSHV’s Kingston Office; Adrienne Thiel, Staff Attorney; Rachel Simons, Attorney in Charge of LSHV’s Newburgh Office; Shara Abraham, Staff Attorney; Avery Zuvic, Assistant Director of Development; NYS Senator John J. Bonacic