Senate Resolution No. 1915

BY: Senator MARTINEZ

COMMEMORATING the 60th Anniversary of Legal
Services of Long Island, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Legal Services of Long Island, Inc.
on Tuesday, June 23, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Founded by the Honorable Jack B. Weinstein, the mission of
Legal Services of Long Island, Inc. (LSLI) is to provide quality legal
services in civil matters in a manner which respects the individual
dignity of low-income and disabled individuals and helps ensure that
they are afforded the full protection and benefits of the law; and

WHEREAS, Legal Services of Long Island seeks to create equal access
to the civil justice system through the provision of easily accessible,
high-quality, comprehensive legal services to low income and disabled
Long Island residents in matters dealing with survival needs, housing
preservation, health care, economic justice, and family stability; and

WHEREAS, When LSLI was first established in 1966, the organization
began with two core units: Housing and Welfare; these programs were
created to address pressing challenges facing low-income individuals and
families; and

WHEREAS, As community needs changed and the work of LSLI expanded,
the Welfare Unit evolved into the modern Public Benefits Unit-a program
dedicated to helping clients navigate and secure vital public assistance
programs; and

WHEREAS, Legal Services of Long Island currently operates 22
specialized units dedicated to serving low-income residents across Long
Island, with each unit focusing on key areas such as housing
preservation, public benefits, healthcare, education, and family
stability; and

WHEREAS, From landmark housing litigation to advocacy for students
experiencing homelessness, LSLI's units work together to protect
vulnerable individuals' rights, combat homelessness, and ensure fair
access to essential services-all at no cost to clients; and

WHEREAS, With a unique role at LSLI, the Legal Support Center for
Advocates, a specialized unit, acts as a legal back-up center for
advocates from social service agencies, religious organizations, health
care facilities, and other community-based agencies; and

WHEREAS, Further, Legal Services of Long Island boasts another
specialized project, known as the Community Legal Help Project (CLHP),

which is a partnership of legal services providers created by the NYS
Permanent Commission on Access to Justice and the Suffolk County Access
to Justice Committee; the CLHP's network of non-profit partners and pro
bono volunteers currently provides legal information, referrals, and
limited-scope representation through a phone line and brief in-person
consultations at public libraries or the courthouse; and

WHEREAS, Legal Services of Long Island values outreach, community
legal education, and the dissemination of public information to clients,
alongside networking with and training community advocates to create
effective partners in service; and

WHEREAS, With a belief that all eligible clients should have access
to the justice system, LSLI takes full advantage of opportunities to be
noticeably present and available in courts, local libraries, hospitals,
and other venues and events where people gather, reflecting their
dedication and passion for serving those in need in their pursuit for
justice and fair treatment under the law; and

WHEREAS, The importance of the Legal Services of Long Island was
clear 60 years ago at its inception, and that importance remains
constant today; then, as now, Legal Services of Long Island remains a
positive force determined to shape a more just society for many years to
come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Legal Services of Long Island, Inc.;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Legal Services of Long Island, Inc.