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Older Yorkers often ask one or both of the following questions about wills:  Do I really need a will?

 (Photo: Pamela Andrade)

New Yorkers with an immigration question can call the New York State New Americans Hotline, 1-800-566-7636, for general information and referrals on immigration and naturalization questions.  

You do not need to have legal immigration status to get help with domestic violenceThere are certain rights you have in New York State even if you do not have legal immigration status:

The Boro Park Jewish Community Council (BPJCC) is partnering with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) to provide free legal services for the community.  "The mission of the Boro Park JCC is to be there to assist members of our community," said Isaac Stern BPJCC President. "In many instances community members need the service of an attorney but are unable to afford them.

The Western New York Law Center has a program to provide legal help with consumer debt, offering consumers assistance with garnishments, credit default judgments and other issues. The Law Center is offering this program because of what they call a “troubling trend” in consumer debt cases in court. In 2013, for instance, 15,201, or 90 percent of the 16,908 lawsuits in Buffalo City Court, were consumer credit matters, and 8,289 of those, or 55 percent, resulted in default judgments in favor of the creditors.

Earlier this year, the NYC nonprofit The Door announced a new DACA initiative.

Earlier this year, New York city officials the Earned Sick Time Act.  This act protects you from losing your job if you have to take time off from work to recover from a physical/mental illness or an injury, care for a sick family member, or seek medical treatment for yourself or a family member.However, even though the law became effective on April 1, 2014, there are still many employees in New York City who are unsure of how the law pertains to them.  As a result, the organizations Community Service Society, A Better Balance, and Make the Road created a leaflet to help educate workers

New Economy Project speaks with advocates about the use of tenant screening reports, a practice that presents a barrier to thousands of New York City residents in search of residence.

We have the power to prevent and stop child abuse with just a few simple steps.  As a friend, relative, coworker, or professional working with families, one of the most important steps we can take to prevent child abuse is to identify and help families that may be experiencing stresses, such as financial, emotional, etc..  The simple step of extending our support or assistance in helping to connect them with services and programs that can help them, can play a major role in preventing child abuse.