Brooklyn VLP: Uncategorized

  1. Peter S. White II appointed by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani as the Director of the City’s first Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention

    Leave a Comment

    Access Justice Brooklyn is incredibly proud to celebrate Peter S. White II as he steps into his new role as Director of New York City’s first-ever Office of Deed Theft Prevention.

    We are deeply grateful to Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani for establishing this critical office and bringing long-overdue attention to deed theft—an issue that has devastated too many communities, particularly communities of color and older homeowners. As the Mayor said, “The theft of a home is the theft of a family’s future,” and this new office marks a meaningful step toward protecting generational wealth and preventing displacement across our city.

    During his time with us, Peter has been a tireless advocate for homeowners, working on the front lines to combat foreclosure and deed theft while safeguarding the stability of Brooklyn families. Reflecting on his new role, Peter shared that he is “deeply humbled” and looks forward to “protecting working-class homeowners across the city.

    AJB’s President and CEO Lilia Toson also expressed the following: “Peter White is a brilliant lawyer and advocate whose combined skill, expertise, and deeply rooted respect for and dedication to his community uniquely defines him as a leader. We take great pride in knowing that Peter will now have the opportunity to bring his talents beyond Brooklyn, serving communities across all five boroughs of New York City.”

    While we will greatly miss him, we are excited to see Peter bring his passion and experience to this important citywide effort. Join us in congratulating Peter on this well-deserved next chapter.

    🔗 Read the official press release from the Mayor’s office here: https://bit.ly/4eGLsSQ

  2. Food Assistance Resources for New Yorkers

    Leave a Comment

    On Thursday, October 30, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and announced new actions in response to the Trump administration stripping food assistance from 3 Million New Yorkers come November 1st. These actions include:

    If you receive SNAP, OTDA will notify you by November 1st on the status of November SNAP benefits via text message and on the OTDA website; NYC ACCESS HRA; myBenefits; and the ebtEDGE website, app and customer service line (1-888-328-6399). All SNAP households should continue to complete all SNAP requirements including recertifications, periodic reports, and reporting changes during this time.

    Public Assistance (cash) benefits are not affected by the federal government shutdown. They will continue to be issued to all eligible households. Visit the otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ for resources for working families impacted by federal cuts.

    Below are helpful resources to find local food distribution sites nearby:

    Below are additional resources that can be accessed by phone:

    • USDA National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
    • Call 311 if you live in New York City
    • Call 211 for New York State Residents
    • Text 914-342-7744 and type in the word “food”

  3. National Pro Bono Week 2024

    Leave a Comment

    National Pro Bono Week takes place every year in October and celebrates the pro bono spirit of the many professionals who devote their skills and expertise to support nonprofits like Access Justice Brooklyn all around the world!

    Access Justice Brooklyn thanks our dedicated volunteers who provide essential legal services year-round. Your generosity supports our efforts to create a more accessible legal system for those in need. We look forward to continuing to work together in creating a more equitable Brooklyn where everyone knows their rights and has access to legal support!

    Join us in celebrating Pro Bono Week and learn more about our amazing volunteers including Matthew Treiber, Rachel L. Kaylie, and Tara Moss who were honored at our Volunteer Recognition Event held this past summer; view our list of impactful law firm and corporate pro bono partners; attend our upcoming virtual trainings (see below), and start volunteering today!

    Access Justice Brooklyn partners with compassionate pro bono attorneys and cross industry professionals to provide high-quality, civil legal services and community education that help ensure equal access to the legal system.

    Join the AJB Volunteer Community!

    Explore additional opportunities to join the AJB volunteer community by participating in various activities, such as tabling events, prevention-focused workshops, Senior LEAP, and financial literacy presentations.

    If you’d like to attend an upcoming presentation or community event, please reach out to us at volunteer@accessjusticebk.org.

    Upcoming Trainings:

    The following CLE courses are FREE to those who accept one case relevant to the topic from Access Justice Brooklyn before November 1, 2025. Experienced attorneys who take a pro bono case can receive additional CLE credit for every 2 hours of eligible pro bono service.

    *The cost is $50 for registrants who do not wish to take a pro bono referral.

    Representing Homeowners in Administrative Hearings: New Trends and Challenges, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 3:30–5:00 PM via Zoom
    Presented by: Peter S. White II, Supervising Attorney, Access Justice Brooklyn; and Aaron Scheinwald, Staff Attorney, Access Justice Brooklyn
    CLE Credit: 1.5 CLE credits available. Appropriate for newly admitted and experienced attorneys.

    Introduction to Consumer Bankruptcy, Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 3:00–5:00 PM via Zoom
    Presented by: Sheldon Barasch, Supervising Attorney, DC37; and Bruce Weiner, Partner, Rosenberg, Musso & Weiner, LLP
    CLE Credit: 2 CLE credits available. Appropriate for newly admitted and experienced attorneys.