MANHATTAN LEGAL SERVICES CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW OFFICE

Harlem, NY, April 29, 2010 – Manhattan Legal Services (MLS), a program
of Legal Services NYC, the nation’s largest organization exclusively
dedicated to providing free civil legal services to low-income people,
today celebrates the grand opening of its new 125th Street location
with an event welcoming elected officials, community members, and
clients. The new office, located in the heart of Harlem, is set to
serve more than 6,000 Manhattan residents each year through direct
legal representations on matters including family, housing, consumer
and immigration law, government benefits, and services for people with
HIV/AIDS.

The new office space at One West 125th Street (at the corner of 5th Avenue) is within easy walking distance of the A, B, C, D, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 trains, and boasts quicker and easier access than the previous office a few blocks away, where entrance lines were sometimes inconvenient for clients and staff.

“We are thrilled that our move to new and more accessible offices enables us both to reinforce our commitment to the Harlem community and to serve clients more efficiently and effectively,” said Peggy Earisman, Manhattan Legal Services Project Director.

"I am overjoyed to welcome Manhattan Legal Services to their new offices! They will continue to be a tremendous asset to the neighborhoods of Harlem, providing free-of-charge legal services to low income households and bringing justice to those most in need. Congratulations on your new location and I look forward to continuing our working relationship long into the future," said Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright of Harlem. Assemblyman Wright was a guest of honor at the event, receiving an award for his work in securing critical funding for legal services, especially for victims of domestic violence.

"I am delighted that Manhattan Legal Services (MLS) has a new home that will expand their services and outreach in my district.  I have been and will continue to be a strong supporter of Manhattan Legal Services.  In these very difficult economic times, people are hurting and MLS provides legal services and hope to people who would otherwise not be able to afford these services that are oft times life sustaining.  MLS is an essential part of the landscape of my community.  I hope that MLS will be in Harlem for many years to come," remarked NYC Council Member Inez E. Dickens, Ass't Deputy Majority Leader.

MLS was forged from the merging of two existing legal services programs in 2005 to provide more effective delivery of legal services to low-income residents of Manhattan who face rising unemployment, a growing chasm between rich and poor, and a critical lack of affordable housing.  The program has an office in lower Manhattan in addition to the Harlem location. The staff of the program brings enormous expertise and vast experience, having provided free civil legal representation to thousands of low-income residents of Manhattan for more than four decades.  They have helped children who aren't receiving the child support they are entitled to; victims of domestic violence who need help and safe haven; people with AIDS and HIV; and the elderly, who need help fighting eviction or unsafe living conditions. 

“We are proud of the services we have provided to many thousands of Harlem and Upper Manhattan residents for the past four decades, and are excited about the opportunities that come with opening a new office in a convenient location for our clients,” said Raun J. Rasmussen, Acting Executive Director of Legal Services NYC.

Harlem resident Phyllis Reaves is a current client working on a consumer case with Manhattan legal Services, and was previously successfully represented in a housing case.  She spoke about her experiences at the event held in the new space, remarking that “Manhattan Legal Services is fantastic and the community is very fortunate to have MLS here to help.”

Manhattan Legal Services is dedicated to helping low-income residents of New York County with their civil legal problems. MLS ensures equal access to justice for the people of Manhattan by providing free counsel and legal advice to those who would otherwise be unable to afford it. For more information on Manhattan Legal Services and Legal Services NYC please visit www.legalservicesnyc.org.

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