Rochester, N.Y. — Assemblymembers Harry Bronson and Jen Lunsford announced Tuesday a $90,000 New York state investment for the Telesca Center for Justice.
The center, located at West Main Street and Exchange Boulevard in downtown Rochester, houses four nonprofit organizations — Empire Justice, JustCause, The Legal Aid Society of Rochester and Legal Assistance Western New York — that provide legal support for community members.
“We know that most low-income individuals and families are forced to address their civil legal services and issues without an attorney because they cannot afford one,” said Mary Loewenguth, the center’s executive director. “They must face a complicated legal system, and quite often they are alone. Coupled with the understanding that most folks facing a civil legal service issue are likely in the midst of a crisis, the complexities of the legal system can feel exponentially terrifying.”
The investment is aimed at supporting joint staffing, shared operations, collaborative planning and programmatic efficiencies.