Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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nlsinc716.bsky.social
Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
@nlsinc716.bsky.social
51 followers 65 following 440 posts
We are a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing free legal services and equitable justice to persons with low-income and persons with disabilities in WNY. Housing, family, benefits, health insurance & student loans.
https://linktr.ee/nls716
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nlsinc716.bsky.social
What does your donation provide for our community?

In addition to providing VITAL legal services in WNY for those experiencing issues with housing/evictions, family matters, public, disability, and military benefits and fair hearings, your support can help provide:

#GivingTuesday #LegalServices
Your Contribution Supports with the NLS and Giving Tuesday logos. Transportation and Fees: Including: bus passes and transportation to court appointments, filing fees for appeals, etc. Image of a city bus. Outreach and Workshops: Bringing legal clinics, “Know Your Rights” presentations, and other outreach events into the neighborhoods and rural areas. Image of our Justice Bus team leading a seminar. Onsite Presence: Ensuring an attorney presence in housing courts across WNY for questions and representation in eviction and housing matters. Image of courtroom.
November 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
Walk-In community resource fair - today!!
#JusticeBus #Community #Resources #Outreach
NLS and Jericho Road logos with images of NLS team members and clients. Community Resource Day. Get your questions answered and learn more about your rights and resources available to you - NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED! Walk-in tabling event. MONDAY NOVEMBER 24th, 10 am - 2 pm, Jericho Road Community Health Center, West Ferry St. Buffalo
November 24, 2025 at 2:45 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
92% of the civil legal problems of low-income Americans go without any or enough legal representation. This #GivingTuesday, give the gift of justice.
Hand holding heart for donation. Your support is not just a donation. It is an investment in your community. nls.org/support-nls
November 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
#FreeAdviceFriday
If you're being evicted because you are behind on your rent, you can apply for emergency rental assistance from the Department of Social Services (DSS)!
November 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
Need a turkey? 🦃 We've got the 2-1-1 on where you can reach out this season:

#TurkeyGiveaway #HappyThanksgiving

If you hear of any others, be sure to drop them in the comments below 👇
Turkey giveaway listing on an orange background with icons of leaves and a turkey. All locations are until supplies last. Erie County: John B. Wiley Stadium, 1100 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo, Saturday, November 22nd, 12-3, Coat and turkey giveaway. BPS #97 Harvey Austin, 1405 Sycamore St., Buffalo, Saturday, November 22nd, 11 am, Turkey and Thanksgiving groceries giveaway. Route 20 Ice Cream, 2783 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park, Saturday, November 22nd, 12-3, Wednesday, November 26th, 6-7:30, Thursday, November 27th, 10-11:30, Drive-through grocery giveaway. Turkey giveaway listing on an orange background with icons of leaves and a cornucopia. All locations are until supplies last. Erie County: Parker’s Place, 1339 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo, Sunday, November 23rd 10 am, Turkey and groceries giveaway. Riverside Park @ Tonawanda St. & Crowley Ave., Buffalo, Sunday, November 23rd 11 am, Turkey giveaway. Niagara County: Heart, Love & Soul, 939 Ontario Ave., Niagara Falls, Monday, November 24th, 11:30-1, Thanksgiving Lunch Served!
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
Don't miss tomorrow's name change clinic in Batavia! Legal experts from our team are partnering with our fabulous friends from Glow Out and the Empire Justice League to provide this FREE service!

#NameChange #GenderMarkerChange
Legal Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic over the trans flag with logos for Glow Out, Empire Justice, and NLS. Free legal assistance from NLS and Empire Justice Center to help update your documents. Friday Nov 21, 4:30-6:30 at 45 Main St in Batavia. For more info, email director@glowout.org What to Bring: A certified copy of your birth certificate, if available. Staff will work with you if you don't have it. AND a form of photo identification with your deadname (Driver's license, nondriver ID, passport book or card, green card, permanent resident card or military ID) or an alternate form of ID (student or employee photo ID) and secondary ID such as birth or naturalization certificate or utility bills in your name). What to Expect? Those seeing legal services will be asked to complete a name change intake. NLS and EJC will work with you to answer questions, draft documents, make appointments for next steps. Your deadname will not be spoken. Services are confidential. Preregister for early access to eligibility forms. Preregistration is not required but can save you time at the clinic. QR code link to form (see link in bio).
November 20, 2025 at 5:30 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
#TBT NLS 🤝 #BillsMafia
Never afraid to take a leap or break through barriers 🦬🏈
#GoBills
Group of NLS team members in Choose Love branded Bills gear from 2022.
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
Attn SNAP recipients: You will soon be receiving this letter in the mail re: your benefits. DO NOT IGNORE IT or you may be at risk of losing your SNAP after February.

Please be sure to attend your appointment, or call the SNAP office to reschedule.

#SNAP #BenefitsAlert
Snapshot of the top portion of the "Able-bodied adult without dependents work activity letter" that will be sent to SNAP recipients. DO NOT ignore this letter!
November 19, 2025 at 7:16 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
#GivingTuesday is right around the corner - help transform our community with your generosity! 💙

For more information on making a donation or exploring volunteer opportunities, visit nls.org/support-nls
Giving Tuesday logo over image of our Justice Bus team providing information and resources to a client. 4 ways to participate in our #GivingTuesday campaign this year: 1 Donate to Neighborhood Legal Services. 2 Become a monthly donor. 3 Volunteer your time. 4 Share on social media.
November 19, 2025 at 5:15 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
Do you qualify for a military discharge upgrade? These are the most common reasons
Give us a call to see how we can help! 🫡 716.847.0650

#Veterans #DischargeUpgrade #Military
November 19, 2025 at 3:15 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
Though the risk for veterans to become homeless is higher than that of the general population, we're making so much progress! In fact, the rate of homelessness among vets is the lowest it's been since tracking began in 2009 🏠
#Veterans #Housing
Need help? Reach out ☎️ 716.847.0650
Drawing of neighborhood over the American Flag. Help with: evictions, unsafe housing conditions, landlord-tenant concerns, housing emergencies.
November 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
This visionary and unrelenting advocate will be truly missed. Thank you so much for all that you've given us, and for inspiring the next generation of advocates for change 💙
idrc-ocadu.bsky.social Inclusive Design Research Centre @idrc-ocadu.bsky.social · 7d
Alice Wong, a writer and #disability rights activist who was born with muscular dystrophy and whose independence and writing inspired others, has died at age 51. Alice is a published author and the founder of the Disability Visibility Project. She will be greatly missed. Read more:
Alice Wong, ‘luminary’ writer and disability rights activist, dies aged 51
Daughter of immigrants advocated for people with disabilities to have full autonomy over their lives
buff.ly
November 17, 2025 at 8:56 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
#FreeAdviceFriday
❄️If you have no heat/problem with your heat, contact your landlord IMMEDIATELY, then follow up by letter or email for your records.❄️
November 17, 2025 at 8:26 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
Mark your calendars! This year's #GivingTuesday falls on Tuesday, December 2nd

“GivingTuesday exists to build the world we all imagine to be possible. A world where everyone has what they need; a world built on a sense of community and abundance.”
December 2025 calendar in green with the 2nd circled in red. Giving Tuesday - Save the Date!
November 17, 2025 at 5:14 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
You have rights and we want you to know them! Find us at these fantastic events throughout WNY this week
#JusticeBus #Outreach #KnowYourRights
Upcoming events calendar in orange and grey. 11/17: Walk-In Legal Clinic for Veterans, VA Health for Homeless, 8:30-4. 11/18: Know Your Rights, Hulbert Library from 10-12 and Dudley Library from 5-6:30. 11/19: Legal Services Workshop, Orchid Adult Day Care, 12:30-1:30. 11/20: Pop Up Pantry Wyoming County, 10-1. Resource Connection Day, E Ferry, 10-2. 11/21: Community Center Workshop, Eastern Orleans, 10-12. Name Change Clinic, NLS Batavia, 4:30-6:30. 11/22: Say Yes Saturday Academy, PS #97, 9-12. Good for the Neighborhood, East Aurora, 10-12. Details @ nls.org/events
November 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
At the close of the 3rd quarter, we're proud to announce that our #Disability team has secured $280k in retroactive benefits owed to our clients - putting us on target to ensure about $1.1 MILLION for the year!

ID: Happy man tossing money to celebrate $280,000 in retroactive payments!
November 15, 2025 at 4:51 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
Want to help ensure your neighbors have an amazing holiday meal? Our Lockport office has partnered with the Salvation Army to collect food items now through 11/24 🍗🥧🥫
Food Drive flyer with Thanksgiving food items and fall leaves decor. Salvation Army and NLS logos at the top. Now through Monday 11/24. Some of the products we're collecting: Non-perishable food items, within date, including: canned fruits, vegetables, and proteins, pantry items and staples, shelf-stable milk, mashed potatoes, cake and cookie mix, pudding, pie crusts, and more! Drop off location: NLS Lockport office, 135 Main St. For more info: 716.201.0046
November 14, 2025 at 2:56 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
When you work with NLS, you don't get just one legal mind - our entire team is there to support you!
#NLSSuccess #Eviction #SafetyPlan
Destiny's Story in orange word bubble with house and scales icons. When “Destiny” invited an acquaintance to stay with her while waiting for DSS placement, she expected Molly to be there only a few days. Instead, Molly brought in another friend and they began to threaten both Destiny and her small child. This harassment continued even after she was forced to flee her own home for safety. The advocacy she received from NLS was threefold: First, our Family team helped Destiny to create a safety plan, to ensure security, while our Public Benefits team worked with DSS to build a bridge for emergency services. Finally, our housing team leapt into action, filing papers to have the squatters removed from the residence, allowing Destiny and her child to return to their home.
November 14, 2025 at 2:56 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
#TBT That’s why her hair is so big. It's full of secrets.
Vintage photo of two NLS female team members with pouffy 80s hair, one laughing and the other on the phone.
November 13, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Reposted by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
eriecounty.bsky.social
⚠️ Protect Your EBT Benefits!

As benefits are being restored, households are encouraged to watch their EBT balances closely at EBTedge.com and stay alert for fraud attempts. Never share your PIN with anyone. NYS, County and EBT staff will never ask for your PIN.
November 13, 2025 at 4:38 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
As SNAP benefits are being reloaded, it's important to be vigilant against skimming. Once stolen, BENEFITS CANNOT BE REPLACED.

State and local orgs recommend freezing your card right away: Securely log in to your account and tap “Freeze Card” under “Account Services.”
Screenshot from EBT account showing the "Freeze Card" option.
November 13, 2025 at 2:15 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
Health insurance is complicated. ⚕️ Cherida makes it easy.

#EmployeeSpotlight #Navigator
Employee Spotlight on blue background with Cherida's headshot. Cherida Heredia, Paralegal/Health insurance navigator. Healthcare Expert: I originally went to ECC for early childcare education to work with children that have disabilities. I was always drawn to roles where I could make a difference in people’s lives. After having my own children, I went into healthcare, first in customer service, then marketing. I’ve done billings and renewals and preauthorizations, but I knew that I really wanted to work with people, rather than being in the back. A continuing beacon of support: A friend of mine heard about an opening with Neighborhood Legal Services and thought I would be great for it. One thing I love about helping NLS clients navigate the healthcare system is that we’re not stuck to one plan. It’s so much less stressful when we can discuss options and choose the right plan to fit their needs. Don't be afraid to ask: A lot of people think they make too much money, there’s no way, and then go without insurance instead of applying. Or they think it’s just like Medicaid with the state. But there’s so much more! NY State of Health uses both income AND family size, and we have options to find the right plan for you. Even if you qualify for insurance through your job, it may be cheaper to get a Marketplace plan for your children, for example. I’m here to help you find what’s best for YOU! Impacting lives: The best part of my job is knowing that I’m making an impact on people’s lives. It makes me feel good to let people know what’s out there. Once, I had a client with a sick baby and she was crying because she was afraid to go to the doctor, didn’t know what to do. You don’t know what people are going through or what they know. I was able to help her access the care she need and her son is now thriving! My goal is to ALWAYS help people access care. Morning Matcha with image of a matcha latte: In the morning, I have a matcha every day, then I try to drink water throughout the rest of the day. I try! My water is staring at me right now. Coffee pilgrimage: My friend and I are working on trying out all the coffee shops in Buffalo. Next we’re planning to head out to East Aurora to try one. So far, my favorite has been Raha. You can try so much! The drink I liked the most is a coffee with rose in it. Party Time: Outside of work, I am a party decorator. Mostly just for friends and family. Recently, I just did a huge baby shower that was almost like a wedding! Next, I’m learning how to do balloon art from a friend.
November 13, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Reposted by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
eriecounty.bsky.social
❄️ CODE BLUE NOTICE (Tuesday, Nov. 11): 100 E Tupper St, Buffalo will open as an overnight shelter location due to dangerously cold temperatures.

If you or someone you know is in need of refuge, call 2-1-1. Text "CodeBlueBuffalo" to 898-211 to sign up for alerts.
November 12, 2025 at 12:30 AM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
You don't need to wait for placement in an emergency situation!
#KnowYourRights #PublicBenefits #DSS #Shelter
Know Your Rights! on red background. If you’re told you need more info (pay stubs, eviction notice, etc.) before being placed by DSS, ask for a PREINVESTIGATIVE PLACEMENT. This means you can be placed while you’re trying to gather the documents you need. For more info and resources, visit nls.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:07 PM
nlsinc716.bsky.social
We want to take a moment to honor our own Veterans, Pearline and Keisha, alone with all the other brave and dedicated service members out there - we appreciate you ❤️🤍💙
#VeteransDay #ThankYouForYourService
NLS Army veterans, Pearline and Keisha, hugging.
November 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM