Despite these challenges, this was a year of many impressive accomplishments. Most notably, we handled nearly 13,000 cases, which impacted over 30,000 individuals. We answered close to 15,000 calls to our Central Intake Hotline and provided approximately 9,000 hours of pro bono volunteer time. We expanded our office space in Poughkeepsie, opened a second office in White Plains as well as a new office in Monticello in Sullivan County. We are scheduled to relocate our Newburgh office, in early 2023, to a new location in New Windsor that will allow us additional office and meeting space. We also completed a bold three-year strategic plan, which will serve as our aspirational road map for how LSHV will combat the institutional oppression that plagues our communities.
Unfortunately, our work still was not enough. For every person we assist, we have to turn away two to three others who need our help. The 2022 Justice Gap report from the Legal Services Corporation found that low-income Americans do not get any or enough legal help for 92% of their substantial civil legal problems. This justice gap – which is the difference between the civil legal needs of low-income residents and the resources available to meet those needs cannot be met without partnerships between civil legal service providers, private attorneys, government, courts, and other stakeholders.
In 2023, LSHV will be expanding its Affirmative Litigation Unit to focus on systemic legal issues that impact our communities. We also plan on launching an internal Leadership Institute, creating an anti-racist lawyering training program, expanding key offices, and of course, continuing to protect human rights when basic necessities are in jeopardy.
I recently read Michelle Obama’s new book, The Light We Carry, where she dedicates the book to all those who use their light to make sure that others feel seen. When I read that dedication, I immediately thought that was the perfect description of our incredible staff, Board members, and donors. All of the people who support LSHV, use their innate light – whether it be their legal talent, zealous advocacy, compassionate listening, writing skills, administrative aptitude, or financial capital – to ensure those in our community have access to justice. Despite the incredible work we did together over this past year, in 2023, we have to do more to close the justice gap and dismantle systemic oppression. The legitimacy of the law depends on equal justice. Equal justice requires equal access. LSHV ensures equal access.
Thank you for your support and continuing to join me in this fight!
Best,
Rachel
