NYS Senator William Larkin secures funding for LSHV

WHITE PLAINS, NY -- Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), the only provider of comprehensive civil legal services to those that cannot afford an attorney 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 Senator William Larkin, secured in partnership with Senator Bonacic. Senator Larkin represents the 39th District, including parts of Ulster, Orange, and Rockland Counties.

The $200,000 grant jointly secured by Senator Larkin and Senator Bonacic 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. Those who have served their country deserve equal access to justice at home. LSHV honors service members and military families by protecting their rights to the basic necessities of life as guaranteed by law. As of last year, just under 100,000 veterans lived in the Hudson Valley.

Speaking of the grant, Senator Larkin said, "It is our responsibility as free Americans to ensure our veterans are taken care of. I am proud to have played a role in securing this important funding to assist Legal Services of the Hudson Valley in their efforts to advocate for our veterans. This project has made a difference in the lives of many local veterans, especially those most at risk and in need of services they otherwise could not afford."

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.

LSHV’s CEO, Barbara Finkelstein, said “We are truly honored to receive these generous grants from the New York State Legislature. Thanks to the support of Senator Bonacic and Senator Larkin, hundreds of veterans in the Hudson Valley will receive critical legal assistance which will enable them to stay in their homes, provide for themselves and their families, and remain safe from domestic violence and abuse.”

Additionally, Senator Larkin has announced his retirement at the end of his current term. “From the Board, staff, and clients at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley – we wish Senator Larkin the best of luck in his coming retirement, and we thank him for his partnership and generous support over the years,” said 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 nine 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: Shara Abraham, LSHV VMFAP Staff Attorney with NYS Senator William Larkin