The New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking Awards Volunteer Lawyers for Justice with NJ Freedom Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2023
CONTACT
Eric W. Hughes
Bershad Communications Manager
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
(973) 233-5724
Email: ehughes@vljnj.org
Newark, NJ – On Wednesday, May 17, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) was presented with a NJ Freedom Award for its work ensuring access to justice for survivors of human trafficking in New Jersey. The award was presented by the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT) at its annual New Jersey Freedom Gala. At the Gala, held at the Bridgewater Manor, NJCAHT awarded several recipients with its NJ Freedom Award, an award that recognizes the compassion, courage, impact and reach of individuals and organizations to prevent human trafficking in New Jersey and help those affected by it.
Kate Lee, executive director of NJCAHT, spoke on why an organization like VLJ received the NJ Freedom Award, “For many survivors, unaddressed legal needs can become barriers to healing and hope. This sad and unfortunate reality is compounded by the cost of legal assistance and the limited pool of attorneys with experience to help. The award is a recognition of VLJ’s partnership and compassion, working to ensure survivors have competent, professional legal help regardless of their ability to pay. Indeed, VLJ has been a stalwart ally in our fight for justice on behalf of human trafficking survivors in New Jersey.”
Gina Cavallo, NJCAHT’s survivor-consultant, who first came to VLJ first as a client and remains a powerful friend and champion of the organization, remarked, “It was an honor for the NJCAHT to present Volunteers Lawyers for Justice with the New Jersey Freedom Award. VLJ has and continues to make an impact on the lives of countless victims and survivors throughout New Jersey who were revictimized by the system. I personally was left with a lifetime sentence until I found VLJ who met me with dignity and respect. The professionalism and compassion they demonstrated to me throughout the process restored my hope and freedom and gave me a new respect for the judicial system.”
VLJ launched the New Jersey Trafficking Victims Legal Assistance Program, New Jersey's first-ever holistic legal services project dedicated to survivors, in 2016. Since then, the program has provided free legal help to survivors of human trafficking on a variety of legal issues, including criminal record clearing, immigration assistance, family law matters, debt relief, and more. In addition to direct client representation, VLJ also works with key stakeholders throughout New Jersey to identify and effectively address the broader systemic issues impacting survivors.
For Jessica Kitson, director of legal advocacy at VLJ, the NJ Freedom Award has significant meaning, “We are honored to receive The NJ Freedom Award from our friends at NJCAHT who have been true partners in every sense of the word when it comes to advocating for survivors in New Jersey. Their recognition of VLJ means so much and is a testament to the incredible work being done by VLJ staff and volunteers in providing survivor-centered, trauma-informed legal services.”
The NJCAHT Gala was a celebration of the survivor-inclusive NJCAHT, and a fundraiser for their continued work to include survivors in developing curriculum for schools, raising awareness in professions such as healthcare and banking, and advocating for effective policies to help end trafficking in New Jersey.
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About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)
VLJ is an award-winning, comprehensive nonprofit legal services program based in Newark, NJ, with a statewide reach. VLJ's mission is to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. The Newark-based organization ensures fair access to the legal system through partnerships with corporations and hundreds of volunteer attorneys. In 2022, VLJ’s work impacted nearly 4,561 people—including 1,714 children—and its volunteer attorneys provided $2.4 million in free legal services.
About the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT)
NJCAHT is a volunteer-run 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2011 that coordinates statewide community efforts to end sex and labor trafficking in New Jersey. Comprising over 150 volunteers and more than 200 affiliates including nonprofits, faith-based organizations, academics, law enforcement, and direct service providers it works to empower communities with the knowledge of what human trafficking is, how to prevent it, and how to support those affected by it. For more information, please visit www.safernj.org.