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WHO WE ARE:

Project FAIR offers information, assistance and referrals to individuals receiving or applying for public assistance, food stamps, and medicaid.  This city-wide collaborative Project works to coordinate and increase quality representation in administrative “Fair Hearings”; to increase access to information about benefits, rights in the hearing process, and services throughout the City; to serve as a resource for low-income communities; and to strive for economic justice.

In the hundreds of Fair Hearings held to address public benefits issues, approximately 96% of individuals appear without representation or assistance.  Many of these appellants have learning, mental, or physical disabilities, limited English language proficiency, or low literacy skills, all of which can limit their capacity to adequately represent themselves. 

To address this need, Project FAIR places volunteers at a table situated at the Fair Hearing site (14 Boerum Place, Brooklyn) to assist pro se appellants with their Fair Hearings.  Project FAIR also conducts trainings for the staff and membership of community organizations working with low-income individuals and families. 

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Project FAIR is staffed by volunteer legal services attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and students from area law schools and social work programs.  However, the demand for our services continues to grow as the number of individuals in need of benefits is increasing after years of decline, while the City and State combat budget deficits. 

There are many ways you can volunteer for Project FAIR:

  • Staff the Project FAIR table:  The table is currently open M-F from 11:30 to 2:30, and at least one shift a month is encouraged.  

  • Advocate at Fair Hearings:  Trained volunteers work under the supervision of experienced legal advocates to represent appellants at public assistance, food stamp, and medicaid Fair Hearings.

  • Intern with Project FAIR for a semester or more:  Interested law students may receive training to staff the table, and will be given the opportunity to work with clients under the supervision of experienced benefits attorneys.  Interns working 12-15 hours per week advocate at and observe Fair Hearings, staff the table, and assist with outreach and training.

For more information, view the Project FAIR Law Student Opportunities flyer.

 

Contact Us:

If you are interested in volunteering at the Project FAIR table, please contact Steffie Kinglake at (212) 577-3964 or slkinglake@legal-aid.org. 

If you would like to intern with Project FAIR for a semester or more, please contact Jennifer Werdell at (212) 613-5060 or jwerdell@nylag.org.