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
Financial Abuse is often overlooked as a form of intimate partner violence, but this is a very real problem affecting many Veterans, especially those who are older and/or disabled.

#NLSSuccess #Veterans #FinancialAbuse
Max's Story in white word bubble over blue background with red, white, and blue star decorations. Max is a Veteran of the US Navy, discharged in 1971 under honorable conditions. Now in his 70s and receiving military and disability benefits, he has been unable to enjoy retirement due to the ongoing financial abuse by his much younger husband. Forced to leave the home he paid for, Max relocated to a derelict, rural property, with no utilities, unsure of where to turn. Through our Medical-Legal Partnership, Max was introduced to his fiercely loyal advocates who stood behind him every step of the way, as he regained access to his home, his benefits, and his peace of mind. What does financial abuse look like? On blue background with red, white, and blue star decorations. When your partner controls the money in your bank account and monitors your spending Requests all your receipts and change from shopping Allots an allowance to pay bills or buy groceries that doesn’t even cover expenses Denies you access to credit cards Makes all the decisions on how household money is spent Refuses to allow you to have a job, OR demands you turn over all your earnings to them Refuses to provide money for personal care or wellness Does this sound like you or someone you know? Reach out to see how best we can help!
November 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM
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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
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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
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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
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#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
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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
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#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
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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#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
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
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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
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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
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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
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In honor of Veteran's Day, all NLS offices will be CLOSED. We will reopen tomorrow at 9 am.

If you're experiencing a housing emergency, please call 2-1-1.
Please note: All NLS offices will be CLOSED today. Thank you veterans, honoring all who served, with stars and stripes flags and icons of soldiers.
November 11, 2025 at 1:02 PM
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When you call our name, we'll be there 🚐⚖️

#JusticeBus #Outreach
Upcoming events calendar week of November 10-16 with event information in blue bubbles and the Justice Bus logo. Walk-in legal clinic for veterans, Monday November 10, 8:30-4 @ VA Health for Homeless Veterans, Buffalo. Salvation Army Workshop, Friday, November 14th, 10 am - 12 pm, @Main St, BuffaloGet Ahead of Lead Workshop, Wednesday, November 16-7:30, @ Merriweather Library, Buffalo. Say Yes Saturday Academy, Saturday November 15, 10-1 @ Riverside High School, Buffalo. For more info visit nls.org/events
November 10, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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#TBT You never lose when investing in the community! Legal services change lives - and not just for the client 💙⚖️From our 1993 annual report:
For example, during 1993, NLS received $68,000 to represent women who were seeking child support from absent fathers. During the year, on behalf of our clients, we obtained judgements for child support totaling over $140,000. We also obtained initial awards totaling over $100,000 per year. In the grant year alone, for every dollar of the grant, we returned almost three.
November 6, 2025 at 3:45 PM
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Don't miss tonight's FREE DIY #divorce seminar! Get all your questions answered, collect the forms you need, and take control of your future!
"Do-it-Yourself Uncontested Divorce Informational event; image of Lizzie Vinal-Adams; need an uncontested divorce? NLS’ own Lizzy Vinal-Adams will be giving a free presentation on uncontested divorce, including information on how to pursue one on your own; Where: Downtown Buffalo Central Library 1st floor auditorium; When: Thursday November 6th 6 PM - 8 PM; Email icon: Registration encouraged law-fvwrclinic@buffalo.edu; in partnership with the University at Buffalo School of Law Family Violence and Women’s Rights Clinic"
November 6, 2025 at 3:01 PM