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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 6h

You have rights! Want to learn more? We got you 💪
#JusticeBus #KnowYourRights #Resources

Upcoming events, week of October 19-25 with text written in blue bubbles. Know Your Rights Workshops: Tuesday October 21, 10-12 at Hulbert Library in Springville and 5-6:30 at Dudley library in Buffalo. Thursday October 23: Pop-Up Pantry 10-1 at Main St in Perry, and Resource Connection Day 10-2 at E Ferry in Buffalo. For more info, visit nls.org/events.

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 3d

#FreeAdviceFriday
You cannot, as a survivor of domestic violence, be:
-refused a housing program you’re qualified for
-evicted from housing because of the DV situation
-denied housing because of criminal activity related to DV
-denied a request to move to another unit, if one is available
#DVAM2025

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 4d

#TBT Decades before uniting with the NLS Buffalo team, Niagara Falls was a beacon for justice as the "Niagara Falls Legal Aid Society."

Photo of framed certificate. National Legal Aid & Defender Association. This is to certify that Niagara Falls Legal Aid Society has assumed all of the obligations and responsibilities incident to membership in this organization and is therefore a member in good standing, entitled to all of the rights, benefits, and privileges thereof. In witness whereof we have affixed our names and seal this fifth day of October 1966. Signatures and seal from the President and Secretary of the National Legal Aid & Defender Association.

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 5d

Where home and family intersect, you'll find a friend in Uve 🏠💙🧑🧒🧒
#EmployeeSpotlight

An unexpected journey. My journey goes back to 2012. I had just finished ophthalmology school and I learned I was pregnant with my first son and knew I wouldn’t be able to support us both on what I was making, so I went back to ECC for social work. With my MSW, I took on a position at BestSelf Behavioral Health doing recovery and drug counseling - a position I still have along with my work at NLS. I’m a lifer at both places - to me, it’s so satisfactory. I feel like I’ve done something for someone’s day. A conversation can alter everything. You don’t know what could happen! Life keeps happening. Meanwhile, I was also dealing with housing issues - living with family, the rent was under market, but there were many habitability concerns, and then one day, I received a text out of the blue, telling me I needed to leave. Because I didn’t know about my rights, they had something over on me. Do I blow him in or educate myself. I chose education, and that opened my eyes to the law.

Education is power! Education is the best tool I can have in my back pocket, and it really opened my eyes to law. The power of education is so important, especially for Latina women and single mothers- people at a disadvantage. There are so many things that aren’t talked about. For me, education is a lifelong process and my journey is still being written. Once my children are a little older, I plan to go to law school. There are just so many more things I can learn and do for my community! Family 🤝 Housing. Working in both family and housing law, I do see a lot of overlap, particularly where DV is involved. A lot of times victims stay in awful relationships because their abusers hold deeds and/or there’s a big financial imbalance. It’s so important to me to be able to share resources, and to let survivors know - you are not alone, and no one is judging you here. We can connect you with resources and other agencies, if needed - when you’re ready!

Spectacular specs with image of Uve in blue glasses. I love to make my own glasses - last time I counted, I had 108 pairs!
My absolute favorite were these tiny tiny sky blue frames that I’d made in 2008. EVERYONE knew me as, “That Girl with the Blue Glasses.” They were the best things in life. Shout or Mr. Brightside? Shout! I’m a true Buffalonian, born and raised. Fav Halloween costume? I have actually never celebrated Halloween. It’s not like I wasn‘t allowed; it just never interested me. But if I had to choose, it would have to be Wednesday Addams. Image of Jenna Ortega as Wednesday.

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 6d

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is in full swing but it's not over yet! Don't miss these additional upcoming events hosted by some of our community partners 💜

#DVAM2025 #WithSurvivorsAlways

Upcoming events calendar on purple background. Wed Oct 15: DV Awareness Art Show, 12:30, Erie County Family Court 5th & 6th Floors, Hosted by Haven House, Note this artwork will be available for viewing through April! Thurs Oct 16: Beyond Survival movie screening, 6 pm, the Screening Room, Hosted by UB Center for the Arts. Thurs Oct 23: Spotlight on DV, 5:30, Buff State Alumni & Visitor Center, hosted by Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence. Thurs Oct 30: A Toast to Hope Gala, 6, Statler Buffalo, hosted by the Family Justice Center, Tickets: $150 per person or $250 per couple.

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 6d

Attn: SNAP recipients - work requirements may be imposed on the SNAP program as early as November 2025! Learn more at bit.ly/478b6uz
#SNAP #BenefitsAdvisement #WorkRequirements

Benefits alert on orange background with megaphone and star icons. Changes in eligibility for SNAP (food stamps) may be coming soon. Don’t lose your benefits! Waivers: If you are unable to meet the new work requirements due to your disability, you will need a waiver signed by a medical professional. Questions about your benefits? Call us:
716.847.0650 (Erie)
716.201.0046 or 716.284.8831 (Niagara)
585.343.5450 (Genesee, Orleans, or Wyoming)

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 7d

Some really exciting things happening this week - don't miss us out there! 🚐
#JusticeBus #Community

Upcoming events calendar on grey background. 10/16: Hilbert College Career Fair, 10-1. 10/18: Fall festival, Olivencia Community Center, 1-5. 10/14-10/16: Mind Body and Spirit Student Support Events, SUNY Erie North Campus Tues 11-1, SUNY Erie City Campus Wed 11-1, SUNY Erie South Campus Thurs 11-1. 10/18: Say Yes! Saturday Academy, Bloneva Bond Niagara Falls 9-12, South Park High School Buffalo 9-12, PS #59 Buffalo 10-1.

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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 7d

All Neighborhood Legal Services office locations will be closed today, October 13th.
We will reopen tomorrow at 9 am.

If you have a housing emergency, please call 2-1-1

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 10d

Ready to test your knowledge, enjoy local brews, and challenge your friends while ALSO championing justice across WNY? Come show your support for Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. at the NEW Niagara Street location of Britesmith Brewing, Tuesday October 28th at 7

Trivia Night Fundraiser flyer on blue background with star, question mark, and ticket icons. Tuesday October 28th, 7 pm. Logos for Britesmith Brewing, DJ Trivia, and NLS.

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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 10d

Who 💛 Fair Housing? We do! Support the FANTASTIC team at Belmont Housing on their 25th anniversary fundraiser October 22nd at Froth Brewing Company. Details @ www.belmonthousingwny.org/25years/

Belmont Housing Celebrating 25 years! Flyer for fundraiser on green background. You're invited! Help us celebrate 25 years of providing FREE HUD certified housing counseling services to our community! Join us for a special event as we honor this milestone and look ahead to the future.

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Reposted by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

Erie County, NY @eriecounty.bsky.social · 10d

211 Western New York is your free and confidential link to health and human services - housing, food, domestic violence resources, support groups, mental health and more. Call 2-1-1 from any phone day or night. www.211wny.org

211 WNY

211 WNY is your free and confidential link to health and human services. Every day, across Western New York, people just like you are looking for help. 211 WNY is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. D...

www.211wny.org

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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 10d

#FreeAdviceFriday
If you have safety concerns about giving your address when filing for an #OrderOfProtection - you have options!
Ask the court for an "Address Confidentiality Affidavit."

PS if you have questions, ASK. The staff is there to help you!
#DVAM2025

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 11d

#TBT Supporting the community includes supporting local artists! This fab postcard mailer was designed for us in 2017 by Julie Lewitzky and is one of the first marketing campaigns featuring the newly christened #JusticeBus 🚐💙

Black and white line drawing of a bus driving uphill with the words, "Neighborhood Legal Services Justice Bus." In the background are buildings and trees. In the foreground, a woman is pushing a stroller. In the corner are the words, "Batavia, Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY."

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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 11d

Help is available 24/7 at 800.799.7233 or by texting BEGIN to 88788

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 11d

More than 15 million children in the United States live in homes in which domestic violence has happened at least once, and these children are at higher risk for both repeating the cycle as adults, and for developing mental and physical health problems later in life.

What can you do?
#DVAM2025

"Domestic Violence and Your Children infographic on a purple background. Your safety and the safety of your children are the biggest priorities. If you are not yet ready to leave, you can still support your children by: Planning- Create a safety plan that includes:
phone numbers and locations of safe places and people
collecting an alternate cellphone, an extra set of keys, and other important items you will need if you have to leave quickly; Listening- Expect that your children will know
more than you think, no matter how
young they are. They may be sad, angry, and confused. Be sure to listen, and talk, and let them know that know that abuse is not OK and is not their fault.; Reaching out- Remember: you are not alone! A trusted advocate can help you find the resources you need to take care of the emotional well-being of both you and your children. We’re happy to point you in the right direction!"

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Reposted by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

Legal Services Corporation @legalservicescorp.bsky.social · 12d

Legal aid is a lifeline. LSC grantees help DV survivors secure protective orders and the stability they need to rebuild.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s expand access to justice — because safety and dignity shouldn’t depend on income. #DVAM #DomesticViolence

Legal Aid’s Vital Role in Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors

YouTube video by Legal Services Corporation

www.youtube.com

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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 12d

Attn: law students, potential students, lawyers, and anyone interested in #PublicInterest law - keep your eyes peeled for more info on this exciting panel event 👀! Our own Mercedees Rees will be on the panel, sharing insights from her experience working in the #NonProfit legal space

SPIN alumni panel event flyer on yellow background. Thursday October 30, 12-1. Zoom link will be provided. Celebrating po bono week at SUCOL. Join us to hear from Syracuse Law alumni in public interest and pro bono practices as they share their career paths, challenges, and advice for students. Panel Highlights: Career insights from alumni in public interest fields. Opportunities and challenges in pro bono work. Q&A with panelists. Questions? Contact Kate Turner, VP of SPIN: kturne04@syr.edu

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 12d

Historically, DV was seen as a ""family issue,"" and not addressed as a social justice movement. In fact, all until the 70s, it was not only legal but socially accepted for husbands to beat their wives.
NLS is proud to have been an early champion for change in WNY
#NLSSuccess #DVAM2025

Throwback NLS Success story in quote bubble. Attorneys in our Family Law Unit gave special priority to DV cases, and we learned that the police often failed to advise victims of the availability of shelters, or give them written notice of their legal rights and remedies to stop the abuse, leaving them to fend for themselves.
As a result of litigation by NLS, Buffalo police have agreed to give the victims written information about their legal rights when they respond to a call for assistance.
-1989 NLS Annual Report

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 13d

NLS is a champion of survivors and provides a number of #family services FREE for financially eligible families and individuals. Reach out today and see how we can help ☎️
#DVAM2025 #FamilyCourt #Divorce

Reposted by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

Urban Institute @urbaninstitute.bsky.social · 14d

One in eight working-age adults in #SNAP #families lost benefits in 2024 because of problems recertifying their eligibility on time. Urban research experts break down the #data in a new brief.

Paperwork Burdens Cost One in Eight Working-Age SNAP Recipients Their Benefits in 2024

In this brief, we examine the extent to which working-age adults and their families lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in 2024 be…

urbn.is

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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 14d

Legal questions? Our MLP team will be available for advice and resources! Register @ bit.ly/46OzpgJ

Registrations

Welcome to our event registration page. Below you’ll find upcoming programs and special events. Please review the listings and complete the quick registration form for each event you plan to attend.…

bit.ly

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 14d

Caring for others is what you do — but who’s caring for you?
Whether you're a health care professional, a caregiver, or both, The Sandwich Generation FREE event at the Jacobs School is a space to reflect, connect, and find support.

#Caregiving #Resources

The Sandwich Generation event flyer in teal with image of multi-generational family. Balancing Care for Parents and Children. Wed October 8th, 8:30-12:30 at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, M&T Auditorium, or virtually on zoom. A FREE community event, open to all. Our Panelists are experts from organizations including the NYS Office for the Aging.

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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 14d

Out and about this week, bringing #Justice to you!
#JusticeBus #Community

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 17d

"I truly believe that one of the greatest joys in life is helping others."

What does a 🌟Super Lawyer🌟 look like? Like Larry Waters, for one. Learn more about how legal and medical issues intertwine, and how we are able to help! 👉 bit.ly/48LiXQU

Upstate New York 2025

DCatalog offers digital catalog publishing solutions that help to transform your content into stunning flip catalogs, magazines, brochures, annual reports, training materials and more. Increase brand ...

https://bit.ly/48LiXQU"

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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. @nlsinc716.bsky.social · 17d

Have more questions ❓❓ Check out our handy guide to family offense petitions at bit.ly/4njKbCC

Family Offense Petitions

Resource document

bit.ly