The New York Bar Foundation (NYBF) recently presented agrant to  Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) for a project entitled The John R. Dunne NYBF Pre-Release and Re-Entry Program (PREP) Fellowship.  The grant will be used to support  PLS’ PREP in preparing a “Know Your Rights” Guidebook for formerly incarcerated individuals reentering society.

“This funding will support a  part-time law student working  under PLS attorney and PREP supervision to compile a comprehensive guidebook that will be instrumental in helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully navigate the multiple hurdles they face when trying to reintegrate into society,” said Karen Murtagh, Executive Director of PLS. “We thank the NYBF for its generous grant to help inform and educate  individuals reentering society regarding their legal rights. Being able to provide this information to our clients will go a long way in helping to ensure successful reintegration and reduce the chances of recidivism.”   

NYBF grants assist non-profit organizations with essentials-of-life issues such as child support, consumer debt, housing, access to health care and education, and family matters such as domestic violence and family stability. 

“The  New York Bar Foundation is dedicated to supporting charitable projects aimed at meeting the law-related needs of the public and the profession. Helping people and highlighting the good works of the legal profession is at the heart of what we do,” said President of the Foundation, Carla M. Palumbo.

The Foundation recently allocated more than $600,000 in grants to ninety-five programs across New York.  Lucia Whisenand, chair of the Grants Review Committee, noted “There is a tremendous need for vulnerable people to be able to access legal services.  By allocating funds for these grants,  the Foundation helps make justice a realty for millions of people throughout New York State.”

“The Foundation’s grant program served more than 1.2 million people throughout New York State in 2022 alone,” adds June Castellano, Vice-chair of the Grant Review Committee.  “The programs that we fund have life-changing impacts on the people who receive assistance.  Together with our donors and  legal services organizations, we are making a difference throughout New York State.”

The New York Bar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the charitable arm of the New York State Bar Association.  To learn more about the Foundation visit www.tnybf.org