Lilia Toson, president and CEO of Access Justice Brooklyn, is on the front lines of the fight against financial insecurity, using the power of the law to protect some of Brooklyn’s most vulnerable residents.

Toson says she grew up in a low-income household, so the mission is deeply personal.

“I am very excited to help clients gain financial stability and hopefully begin to build wealth,” she said.

For 35 years, Access Justice Brooklyn has provided free legal services to people like 71-year-old Kennies Shaw, who found himself on the brink of foreclosure after a tenant stopped paying rent for two years. “I ran out of money,” Shaw recalled.

That’s when Access Justice Brooklyn stepped in, offering pro bono legal services to help him fight foreclosure and stay in his home. The organization provides a wide range of legal assistance, including homeowner support, advanced life planning, consumer debt relief, bankruptcy guidance, and family stabilization.

Beyond the courtroom, Toson says Access Justice Brooklyn is deeply rooted in the community. The organization regularly hosts outreach events, partners with local elected officials, and works closely with senior centers to ensure residents know help is available. “We are really open and available for the public,” Toson said.

Those interested in the organization’s services can attend a homeowner webinar or visit one of their weekly legal clinics, both offered completely free of charge. Special workshops are also designed for seniors, covering topics like wills, health care proxies, powers of attorney, and benefits they may not know they qualify for.

For Shaw, the support has been life changing. “It’s a weight off my shoulders,” he said. “It’s wonderful. These people are a godsend - to the community, to me, to everyone.”

After decades of service, Access Justice Brooklyn continues to prove that access to legal help can be the difference between losing everything and finding stability.

MORE: Access Justice Brooklyn YouTube channel