The White Plains-based Pace Women”™s Justice Center (PWJC) has received a $20,000 Opportunity Grant from the American Bar Endowment. The grant will help fund first-year operations of a walk-in legal clinic and resource center for victims of abuse that is scheduled to open later this year.
The walk-in clinic will be staffed by pro bono attorneys, under the supervision of PWJC staff attorneys. Clients who require ongoing representation will be directed to the appropriate PWJC legal programs. Attorneys will also make referrals to social service providers for shelter and counseling, and referrals to other legal service providers for issues not related to abuse, such as immigration. A bilingual paralegal will provide English-Spanish translation, conduct community outreach and provide other assistance. The clinic will be the only program of its kind in the Westchester County area.
PWJC helps approximately 3,000 low-income people each year. Ninety-seven percent are women, many with children; approximately 60 percent are Latino and African-American; more than a third are immigrants.
