QUEENS — The Queens Legal Services has a new home in a modern space in downtown Jamaica thanks to a $813,000 grant from the Queens Borough President and New York City Council.
For decades residents relying on assistance provided by the Queens Legal Services were served in small dilapidated offices “with leaking roofs, moldy walls and electrical outages” scattered throughout the borough, the group said.
But now the QLS is housed in a 16,000-square-foot space, at 89-00 Sutphin Blvd., across the street from the Queens County Civil Courthouse.
“We serve so many clients who have experienced so much trauma … they have lost their homes, they are victims of violence or trafficking,” said Jennifer Ching, director of Queens Legal Services. “We wanted this to be a welcoming space for them.”
(DNAinfo/Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska)
The new office consolidates all 15 QLS practices, including Immigration Advocacy, Domestic Violence & Family Law, HIV/LGBTQ Advocacy, Housing Rights, Disability Advocacy and Veterans Justice, bringing the staff of over 70 attorneys, paralegals and social workers together.
It will also serve as a community center where local organizations will be able to hold their meetings and workshops, the group said.
“This the people’s community law center,” Ching added.
The grant also allowed the QLS to purchase phone and video equipment necessary to provide on demand interpretation services which are essential to assist immigrants.
Local elected officials said that the organization plays an important role in the borough as many residents can’t afford to pay for civil legal services.
“But when clients come here they will see that this is a nice place and they will feel that they are really cared about and that they matter,” said local Councilman Rory Lancman at a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday.
