Overview
What is Brooklyn Defender Services?
Brooklyn Defender Services is a prominent nonprofit organization located in Brooklyn, New York, with a US address at 177 Livingston Street, 11201. The team comprises over 580 dedicated individuals, including lawyers, social workers, investigators, and support staff, who provide comprehensive legal representation to approximately 20,000 low-income Brooklyn residents annually. These residents encounter legal issues in criminal, family, and immigration proceedings, often facing the dire consequences of imprisonment, loss of their children, or deportation. The organization's mission encompasses advocacy and delivering related services to empower individuals in their time of need.
Official website here: www.bds.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Rating from Charity Navigator: 81% (Three-Star out of Four Star rating)
Brooklyn Defender Services has achieved an 81% rating, reflecting a solid level of accountability and financial management. The organization's score is derived entirely from its strong performance in the Accountability & Finance category, indicating a commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of its resources. The majority of its board members are independent, which is crucial for minimizing conflicts of interest and ensuring that the organization operates in the best interest of its clients.
Furthermore, Brooklyn Defender Services demonstrates excellent practices in areas such as financial audits, conflict of interest policies, and document retention. The organization scored full points in key areas related to financial oversight and governance, which suggests that it maintains a high standard of operational integrity. Notably, it also has a commendable program expense ratio of 87.37%, emphasizing that a significant portion of its resources is directed towards program services.
While the rating is positive, the data does not indicate any major limitations or areas for improvement. Overall, Brooklyn Defender Services has established itself as a responsible nonprofit with a strong foundation in accountability and transparency, making it a trustworthy choice for donors looking to support legal defense initiatives.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Brooklyn Defender Services?
86% of 16 reviewers on Facebook recommend Brooklyn Defender Services. Here is a summary of their reviews:
Users express strong support for the nonprofit, highlighting their commitment to providing essential legal services. Many commend the staff for their dedication and expertise, noting that they feel well taken care of and represented. The overall sentiment reflects an appreciation for the organization’s efforts in advocacy and support, indicating that it successfully meets the needs of those it serves.
While the sample size is small, the positive remarks suggest that Brooklyn Defender Services is making a meaningful impact in the community it serves. The organization seems to be doing well in fulfilling its mission and leaving a positive impression on its clients.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Brooklyn Defender Services legitimate?
Brooklyn Defender Services is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Brooklyn Defender Services submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $388,219
Professional Fundraising Fees: $242,313
Other Salaries and Wages: $45,285,990
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.bds.org
What is the mission statement of Brooklyn Defender Services?
Brooklyn Defender Services is dedicated to providing legal representation, advocacy, and related services to low-income individuals. In the past fiscal year, they represented over 20,000 arrested low-income Brooklyn residents, 3,000 parents in child welfare proceedings, 410 clients in detained immigration removal proceedings, and 4,700 clients facing civil justice barriers. Their team of dedicated attorneys, social workers, investigators, and support staff offer multidisciplinary client representation in criminal, family, and immigration defense, helping those at risk of imprisonment, separation from their children, or deportation.
Official website here: www.bds.org
Who is the CEO of Brooklyn Defender Services?
Lisa Schreibersdorf is the Executive Director of Brooklyn Defender Services.
Official website here: www.bds.org
What is the revenue of Brooklyn Defender Services?
Brooklyn Defender Services's revenue in 2022 was $68,129,871.
Official website here: www.bds.org
Who are the executives of Brooklyn Defender Services and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Brooklyn Defender Services during 2022 was $78,478. There are 582 employees and 7 volunteers at Brooklyn Defender Services.
Here are 13 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $341,974
- Related: $0
- Other: $30,369
- Compensation: $260,774
- Related: $0
- Other: $26,283
- Compensation: $225,565
- Related: $0
- Other: $20,346
- Compensation: $218,193
- Related: $0
- Other: $19,978
- Compensation: $196,374
- Related: $0
- Other: $37,476
- Compensation: $206,024
- Related: $0
- Other: $23,545
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
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- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
Official website here: www.bds.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Brooklyn Defender Services?
Brooklyn Defender Services's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.bds.org
Learn more at the official website: www.bds.org
Mission Statement of Brooklyn Defender Services
Brooklyn Defender Services, or BDS, is a nonprofit organization that offers legal representation, advocacy, and related services to low-income individuals in Brooklyn. Committed to making a difference, BDS provided comprehensive legal assistance to over 20,000 arrested residents, 3,000 parents in child welfare proceedings, 409 clients in detained immigration removal proceedings, and 4,700 clients facing barriers to civil justice in FY22.
BDS's team of devoted attorneys, social workers, investigators, and support staff work together to provide multidisciplinary client representation in criminal, family, and immigration defense. Their mission extends beyond the courtroom, as they help their clients navigate the dire consequences of imprisonment, loss of children, and deportation. By offering this essential support, Brooklyn Defender Services ensures that every client receives the best possible outcome, empowering them to overcome the challenges they face.
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Impact
October, 2024
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) provides critical legal representation and advocacy for low-income individuals facing complex legal challenges. In fiscal year 2022, BDS assisted over 20,000 residents of Brooklyn who were arrested, ensuring their rights were upheld during the legal process. Additionally, the organization supported more than 3,000 parents involved in child welfare proceedings, offering them essential legal guidance and representation.
BDS also worked with nearly 400 clients in immigration removal proceedings, advocating for those at risk of deportation. Furthermore, their efforts extended to over 4,700 individuals confronting barriers to civil justice, addressing issues that could significantly impact their lives.
Employing a dedicated and skilled team of attorneys, social workers, and support staff, BDS delivers comprehensive, multidisciplinary support across criminal, family, and immigration law. Their work not only helps to safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations but also contributes to broader civil rights protections in Brooklyn. Through these services, BDS plays a vital role in ensuring access to justice and mitigating the dire consequences that may arise from legal challenges, such as imprisonment, loss of family connections, or deportation.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Brooklyn Defender Services. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Gross Receipts: $68,129,871
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $21,679,240
- Total Liabilities: $25,332,150
- Net Assets: -$3,652,910
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Organization Details
Founding Year
1996
Phone
(718) 254-0700Principal Officer
Lisa Schreibersdorf
Main Address
177 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11201
Website
www.bds.orgNTEE Category
Code: I80 - Crime
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