Telesca Center for Justice

Thank you to The Foundation of the Monroe County Bar and Monroe County Bar Association for hosting this event to raise money for the Telesca Center for Justice! Please join us for networking, good food and friends to support the critical work of the Telesca partner agencies: Empire Justice Center JustCause (formerly VLSP) Legal Assistance Of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY) The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, New York

The Telesca Center for Justice partners join the Rochester community in mourning the loss and celebrating the legacy of Justin Vidgor – a visionary leader, legal titan, civically minded champion, generous philanthropist, and man who embodied the ideals of justice, compassion, and purpose. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved family (both blood and honorary), numerous friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing Justin. Justin was a beacon of integrity, a voice of reason, and an unwavering advocate for what is right. As a highly respected attorney, he practiced law not just as a profession but as a means of ensuring fairness and dignity for all. His career was marked by an unyielding commitment to excellence and compassion—a rare combination that earned him the respect of his peers and the gratitude of those he served. As a visionary leader, Justin was integral in creating the Telesca Center for Justice, a revolutionary collaborative committed to using the power of the law to stabilize lives. “For us, Justin’s enduring legacy is his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Justin believed deeply in the power of collaboration and innovation. His role in creating the Telesca Center reflects his belief that we can make the world more equitable if we work together,” said Tina Monshipour Foster, JustCause (formerly VLSP) Executive Director & Telesca Center for Justice Center partner. Beyond his professional and philanthropic regards, Justin was a devoted family man, a loving husband to his wife of more than 70 years, father, grandfather, and friend. His warmth and kindness enriched the lives of those around him. Whether it was his thoughtful advice, genuine smile, or how he celebrated life’s big and small victories, Justin’s presence was a gift to us all. Justin’s legacy will forever inspire us to be better—to laugh and dream, to live fully and with purpose, to connect with intention and compassion, and to seek justice. Here’s to living life like Justin. May his memory and legacy be a blessing, indeed.

We know that access to justice is life-changing and can often mean the difference between being homeless and having shelter, being hungry and having food on the table, or being stuck in an abusive situation and being safe from harm. Your meaningful contribution brings reality to the promise of access to justice. With a gift to the Telesca Center for Justice,?you can?ensure more of our community members have access to the civil representation they deserve.?The work of the Telesca Center for Justice partners --JustCause (formerly VLSP),?Empire Justice Center,?The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, New York, and?Legal Assistance Of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY)-- can't happen without you. Your gift can create access and representation. Your gift can empower. Your gift can change lives. Here's to creating a community where stability and fairness reverberate to all people, in all neighborhoods, in all homes. Donate today! --->> https://bit.ly/3QJLFav

Overwhelmed by debt during the Holiday season? ?????? You're not alone. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that in 2024, Americans owed a total household debt of up to $17.94 trillion. The majority of this debt is from mortgages, but given inflation and rising costs of goods, average credit card debt increased by 17.4% from 2022 to 2023, according to Experian. Our Consumer team has put together a legal information article regarding debt collection practices and lawsuits. You can read the full article in English and in Spanish here: https://lnkd.in/eA7uD9D9 #personaldebt #consumerrights #nonprofitorganization #freelegalinformation #freehelp #CivilLegalAid #KnowYourRights

Welcome to the November edition of our newsletter, Policy Matters. This month we will cover?updates on the contracting bill and child poverty, an op-ed on HOPP, information on school discrimination, staff recognition, and more. We hope you enjoy! https://lnkd.in/gkyhuRYU

TWO NEW RESOURCES ALERT! Our latest guide, Domestic Violence Screening Tool for Attorneys Handling Transgender Name Changes, can help name change attorneys become better informed about the dynamics impacting their clients’ lives and develop more customized and effective legal strategies that balances client safety with legal relief. As a companion to the Screening Tool, we complied selected resources into one convenient annotated guide so both domestic violence and name change attorneys who want to learn more can do a self-paced, deeper dive into the issue without having to start from scratch. The Self-Directed Learning Resource is available now and we hope it will assist all providers in their attempt to serve and support TGNCNB intimate partner violence survivors across the state. Find both resources here:

?? Huge Congratulations to our very own Deputy Executive Director, Brian Jacek, for being honored by The Monroe County Bar Association with the Emerging Bar Leader Award! ?? This prestigious recognition is a testament to Brian's outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing the legal community. We’re incredibly fortunate to have him on our team, and his contributions continue to inspire and make a lasting impact every day. ?? Let’s celebrate Brian’s achievement and the amazing work he does to help shape the future of the legal profession! ??

Today is #ROCtheDay & #GivingTuesday, a day dedicated to giving back to our community. The Telesca Center for Justice needs your help to ensure everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay. Your donation will directly impact the lives of countless individuals facing legal challenges. Together, let's work toward a community that is stable and fair for all people. Empire Justice Center - https://lnkd.in/grpDWzSW JustCause - https://lnkd.in/giYgwYi2 The Legal Aid Society of Rochester - https://lnkd.in/gwfhgkRm Legal Assistance Of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY) - https://lnkd.in/eYTQdrzr Support all four Telesca Partners with a gift directly to the Fund for Justice! https://lnkd.in/gcgA9EbC

? Dr. Rashid Muhammad’s Impactful Testimony ? JustCause Director of Community Partnerships, Dr. Rashid Muhammad, delivered powerful testimony at the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, addressing jury diversification and participation. We were honored to contribute to this important discussion alongside legal leaders, jurors, and community organizations, shaping the future of New York's judicial system. #JuryDiversification #LegalReform #CommunityLeadership Read More ??https://buff.ly/496tx3q

We all want to feel heard and be seen. For Barbara, the Telesca Center was a beacon of hope, a collaboration of humans who listened to her story and put the law to work for her. View her story of impact below! "When I reached out to the Telesca Center, I felt heard. I felt hopeful. I finally had someone in my corner, and I knew something good was going to happen. It wasn't always easy, but with every issue I faced, someone here helped me." - Barbara Cole, LawNY Board Member & Former Telesca Center Client Every individual deserves access to their fundamental needs, regardless of their circumstances. You can join us in shaping a brighter future. Your contribution, no matter the size, brightens our beacon of hope and brings reality to the promise of access to justice. https://lnkd.in/gcgA9EbC Empire Justice Center JustCause (formerly VLSP) The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, New York Legal Assistance Of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY)