NJBLF deeply appreciates the support we’ve received over the past fifteen years. Starting with relatively modest fundraising efforts at the outset, the Foundation now operates with a six-figure annual budget. Over the years, we have given out more than $600,000 in grants from various programs.
Recipient Testimonial
The New Jersey Bankruptcy Lawyers Foundation provides assistance to debtors and other financially distressed individuals. We offer debtor and responsible credit practices education through our Financial Literacy Project (NJBLFLiP). We also maintain a Discretionary Hardship Fund for New Jersey residents. To find out more about how NJBLF can help, please contact us.
Stories Of Financially Distressed Individuals
We assisted a 60 year old woman who suffers from agoraphobia from getting her gas shut off. She had no family to assist her and the gas bill became high during the winter months. NJBLF granted $530.00 which prevented the utilities from being shut off in the moment. Legal Services was then able to help her obtain disability benefits to pay for her future utility payments.
We assisted with rental arrears for a 37 year old wheel-chair bound mother of three. With our assistance for the rental arrears, she and her children were able to stay in their home.
A 72 year old separated woman living in a senior citizen building, surviving on a small Social Security check and Medicaid, barely had enough monthly income and benefits to meet her basic needs. When her former husband unexpectedly died, she began to receive his Social Security benefits. As a result, her rent was increased and she lost her Medicaid. She could no longer afford her life sustaining medications. She applied for the Pharmaceutical Assistance Program, but her application would not be processed before her medication ran out. NJBLF provided her with the funding she needed.
A 71 year old senior on a fixed income was served with an eviction action by her landlord. Through the intervention of the local Legal Services Program, the eviction was avoided. However, it was discovered that the senior was without a stove and could not cook her meals. NJBLF provided her with financial assistance to purchase a stove and to meet her most basic living needs.
“Your news of this totally unexpected and selfless generosity has me really at a loss for the proper words to describe how what you have done to help me. The effort and empathy and hard work on your part, well, it is more kindness then I have experienced in several years. I never expected this and your surprise during this very difficult time for me, well, I am so very appreciative and thankful to you and for all your hard work and for listening to me with such compassion.
I want you to know that you have given me hope, hope that I was beginning to think did not exist for me. I realize this is not going to be the outcome for all my problems but that you took the time and energy to help me is just about the most kind thing anyone has done for me. I will never forget how you have helped me and just know that what you have done for me, will never be forgotten!”