Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the Investors Foundation to support the New Jersey Trafficking Victims' Legal Assistance Program (Trafficking Program).
The Trafficking Program began in 2015 to provide an array of legal services to victims of human trafficking, including the criminal record clearing of arrests and convictions that resulted from having been trafficked. Despite great strides made in addressing this crisis, survivors continue to face significant barriers as they attempt to rebuild their lives post-trafficking. According to a report from the American Bar Association, “The civil justice system is still inaccessible to many trafficking victims. They are largely unaware of the legal recourse and services available to them; psychological trauma, threats to their lives and safety, and lack of resources often prevent them from seeking help. Without assistance and support, victims who do manage to escape are at risk for being re-trafficked.”
After they escape their traffickers, many victims of are unable to find work or stability due to their criminal records, ongoing legal issues, and/or health issues related to their trauma. Moreover, human trafficking victims are among the most complex crime victims to serve, as they often have overlapping criminal and civil legal issues and can be highly traumatized as a result of their victimization. VLJ's Trafficking Program was designed to address these issues and, thanks to funders like the Investors Foundation, has become a vital service for effectively serving NJ’s human trafficking survivors.
“VLJ is grateful for the generous support from the Investor’s Foundation. Because of their grant, VLJ is able to provide life changing legal services to our most vulnerable neighbors. The Investor’s Foundation should be applauded for their significant contributions to our community, “said Cathy Keenan, VLJ’s Executive Director.
Investors Bank Chairman and CEO Kevin Cummings said, “We are grateful to have an opportunity to assist the Volunteers Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) by providing resources for one of their legal assistance programs. By serving people with significant needs, VLJ is making a positive difference in these individual’s lives.”
VLJ is very grateful for the support from Investor’s Foundation to help meet the legal needs of survivors in our community.
About Investors Bank
Investors Bank, headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey, is a full-service community bank that has been serving customers since 1926. With nearly $27 billion in assets and a network of more than 145 retail branches, Investors Bank delivers personalized services and products tailored to the needs of its customers. Investors Bank’s services include complete deposit, loan and cash management products for consumers and businesses. Investors Bank. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.
About the Investors Foundation
Investors Bank created the Investors Foundation in 2005 to support the communities Investors Bank serves. Investors Foundation supports initiatives in the arts, youth development, health and human services, education and affordable housing. Investors Foundation works to improve the lives of its customers and neighbors.
For more information, please visit https://www.myinvestorsbank.com/Community/Investors-Foundation