 |
 |
 |
|
|
|||
About LIFT
LIFT is dedicated to improving access to justice and neighborhood-based resources for families and individuals involved in New York City Family Court. The overarching goal of all of LIFT's programs is to provide those we serve with the information and support they need to empower them to achieve their own positive outcomes in Court.
As the people who line up, sometimes for hours, at court metal detectors and crowd its waiting rooms well know, the Courts are badly understaffed, and their procedures are typically slow, intimidating, and confusing. Free legal representation is in tremendous demand and is not mandated for all types of Family Court matters, forcing people who cannot afford attorneys to handle their own cases. A staggering 92% of the 55,000 families LIFT serves annually do not have legal representation.
Facing hard, often wrenching problems, families in Court are typically in crisis. But these very crises can be an impetus to positive change. Drawing on a powerful combination of two skill sets – legal expertise and knowledge of how to connect with those we serve – LIFT uses its legal help as a jumping-off point for additional efforts to fortify vulnerable families and especially to promote the well-being of children.
By training and inclination, LIFT staff are down-to-earth, friendly, and respectful in their interactions with family members. Judges and service providers repeatedly praise the way that we connect with people who are diverse in background but united in being at very stressful points in their lives. We are consistently impressed by the capacity of those we serve to seize the information and support we give them to meet and defeat crises and to take positive action on behalf of their families. To learn more about our programs click here.
LIFT warmly thanks our supporters, without whom our ongoing success would not be possible.
Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to LIFT.
To view a chart of LIFT's innovative
programs,
please click
here.
[Last updated on August 20, 2008]