Telesca Center for Justice

10/09/2026

When a neighbor faces eviction, a custody dispute, or another civil legal crisis, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.

The Telesca Center for Justice helps connect people with the legal assistance they need. But the need often exceeds the resources available.

This fall, you can help through a gift to the Telesca Center for Justice Fund. Your support helps cover critical needs such as client filing fees and interpreter services, while allowing us to respond to emerging community needs.

Consider giving the value of one hour of your work—or two or three. Your gift can help a neighbor facing a life-altering legal challenge access the help they need.

Access to justice should never depend on a person’s income.

Follow this link to give: https://bit.ly/4hCNQex

Please share this post to help bring our mission to more people.

09/18/2026

We are pleased to introduce JustIN, a new series sharing the people, partnerships, and opportunities advancing access to justice through the Telesca Center for Justice.

The name honors Justin Vigdor, whose leadership helped raise more than $3 million to establish the Center 20 years ago.

In our first installment, we:
• Celebrate Justin’s lasting legacy
• Introduce Yolanda Sheffa, Supervising Paralegal at LawNY
• Share an important IOLA learning opportunity
• Highlight JustCause’s need for volunteer attorneys
• Explain how donations to the Telesca Fund for Justice support emerging civil legal needs in Monroe County

Read the full post here: https://www.telescacenter.org/news-updates/justin

07/30/2026

We are thrilled to share that Assemblymembers Assemblymember Harry Bronson and Jen Lunsford have secured $90,000 in New York State funding for the Telesca Center for Justice!

This investment will strengthen the shared staffing, operations, planning, and programs of our four partner organizations: Empire Justice Center, JustCause, The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, and Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.

Together, these organizations make it easier for individuals and families throughout Rochester, Monroe County, and the Finger Lakes region to access affordable, high-quality civil legal services. Their work helps community members navigate critical issues involving housing, family law, healthcare, immigration, consumer protection, and more.

We are deeply grateful to Assemblymembers Bronson and Lunsford for recognizing the importance of accessible legal services and investing in our collaborative model.

Want to learn more about the Telesca Center for Justice? Connect with our Executive Director, Mary Loewenguth here on Facebook or at [email protected].

Four agencies. One stable community. Together, justice for all.

Read the full press release: https://www.telescacenter.org/news-updates/nysgrant

06/30/2026

What does access to justice look like?

It looks like a senior avoiding homelessness after the loss of loved ones. It looks like survivors finding safety. It looks like families staying together and people getting the legal support they deserve.

Our 2026 Impact Report shares the stories and impact behind our mission—and the difference our community makes every day.

Find the full report in the link in the comments.

06/26/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us on June 18 for our Donor Appreciation Reception as we celebrated the Telesca Center for Justice's 20th anniversary year.

Whether you celebrated with us in person or continue to support our mission from afar, we're grateful to have you as part of our story.

A special thank you to our event sponsor, Proceed Legal, for helping make the evening possible.

We've shared a few favorite moments here, but you can view the full photo gallery and read more about the evening on our website.

📸 View the full gallery at the link in the comments.

Here's to celebrating 20 years of impact!

06/12/2026

We're excited to welcome Mary Loewenguth as the new Executive Director of the Telesca Center for Justice!

Mary returns to help lead the organization into its next chapter as we kick off our 20th Anniversary Year, celebrating two decades of collaboration and access to justice in our community.

Join us in welcoming Mary and celebrating the impact of the Telesca Center and its partner organizations.

Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/4uPBHGF

‍ Telesca Center for Justice Announces New Executive Director and Launch of 20th Anniversary Year ‍ Former Monroe County Bar Association Executive Director and longtime court leader returns to help reengage Rochester’s community support for the Telesca Center for Justice ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Th...

03/20/2026

We’re proud to celebrate one of our own!

Carla Palumbo, President & CEO of The Legal Aid Society of Rochester has been named a 2026 Circle of Excellence honoree by the RBJ Women of Excellence Awards.

At the Telesca Center for Justice, we see every day the impact of Carla’s leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to expanding access to civil legal services in our community. This recognition is a reflection of the difference she makes—not just within our partnership, but across Rochester.

We are honored to work alongside her and grateful for her dedication to ensuring more individuals and families have access to justice.

Please join us in congratulating Carla on this well-deserved recognition!

Learn more: https://rbj.net/event/women-of-excellence/

03/12/2026

92% of low- and moderate-income individuals face civil legal problems.

Legal fees average $200–$500 per hour — far beyond reach for families in poverty.

At the Telesca Center for Justice, access to legal help is not determined by income.

Justice should stabilize lives — not depend on wealth.

www.telescacenter.org

03/05/2026

Courts should be places where people can seek justice, not places that create fear.

Legal services organizations at the Telesca Center for Justice are speaking out against a proposal to establish a CBP detention facility in the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building in downtown Rochester.

The presence of a detention operation near critical legal and human services could discourage community members from accessing the help and courts they rely on.

Click the link in the comments to read our full statement.

02/24/2026

We’re proud to share that leaders in our community were recently featured on Legends 102.7 Radio discussing access to justice and the power of collaboration.

Brian Jacek, Deputy Executive Director of JustCause - formerly known as Volunteer Legal Services Project, and Lori O’Brien, Executive Director of Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc., highlighted the critical need for legal advocacy, partnership, and community support to ensure fairness and dignity for all.

Click the link in the comments to take a listen and learn more about how organizations across our region are working together to strengthen access to justice.