nonprofit logo

Central Jersey Legal Services Inc

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 210684259 ✦ New brunswick, NJ ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause at the same time! With the Give Freely browser extension, you'll automatically save money with coupons, and partner stores will donate to your chosen charity - at no extra cost to you. Start giving back with a single click. It's safe, free, and spam-free, guaranteed!

Overview

What is Central Jersey Legal Services Inc?

Central Jersey Legal Services Inc, based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a nonprofit law firm serving low-income residents in Middlesex, Mercer, and Union Counties. Comprising 35 attorneys, 20 paralegals, and additional support staff, the organization operates in four city offices. Their mission is to provide free legal assistance in non-criminal proceedings or matters to financially disadvantaged individuals. They handle a wide range of cases, from housing and income protection to family stability and domestic violence support. Their services include legal assessments, advice, and referrals, in-depth legal representation in administrative and court proceedings, and community legal education. Through these initiatives, Central Jersey Legal Services helps clients avoid eviction, secure vital housing subsidies, protect income sources, and defend their legal rights. Their work has resulted in closing over 6,500 cases between July 2021 and June 2022.


Official website here: www.lsnj.org/cjls

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 91% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating) from Charity Navigator

Central Jersey Legal Services Inc has received high marks for its accountability and financial practices, achieving a 91% score. This rating reflects a strong commitment to transparency, with an entirely independent board and robust auditing processes in place. The organization has not reported any material diversion of assets, indicating sound financial management.

Strengths of the organization include a high program expense ratio of 86.78%, which suggests that a significant portion of its funds is allocated directly to its mission-driven programs. Additionally, Central Jersey Legal Services has established comprehensive policies regarding conflict of interest, whistleblower protections, and document retention, which further enhance its operational integrity.

However, the organization does face some challenges, as indicated by a liabilities to assets ratio of 57.22%, which may suggest a need for careful financial oversight. While the overall financial health appears solid, potential donors and stakeholders should consider this metric when evaluating the organization's long-term viability. Overall, Central Jersey Legal Services demonstrates a strong commitment to effective governance and responsible financial management.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Central Jersey Legal Services Inc legitimate?

Central Jersey Legal Services Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Central Jersey Legal Services Inc 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: $346,635
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $6,898,081

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.lsnj.org/cjls

What is the mission statement of Central Jersey Legal Services Inc?

Central Jersey Legal Services Inc's mission is centered around providing free legal assistance to individuals and families financially unable to afford legal help. This non-profit organization operates in Mercer County, Middlesex County, and Union County, New Jersey. Their primary goal is to safeguard their clients' housing and income, enhance family stability, remove employment barriers, widen access to healthcare, and assist survivors of domestic violence in obtaining necessary orders and support. They offer various levels of services, ranging from legal assessments and referrals to complex legal representation in administrative and court proceedings. Additionally, Central Jersey Legal Services delivers community legal education through workshops, clinics, and collaborations with social service providers, raising awareness of legal protections and empowering community members to assert their rights. Their services have helped clients avoid eviction, defend rights under leases, improve housing conditions, secure bankruptcy protection, and protect essential sources of income.


Official website here: www.lsnj.org/cjls

Who is the CEO of Central Jersey Legal Services Inc?

Janice Chapin is the Board Member of Central Jersey Legal Services Inc.


Official website here: www.lsnj.org/cjls

What is the revenue of Central Jersey Legal Services Inc?

Central Jersey Legal Services Inc's revenue in 2022 was $10,333,046.


Official website here: www.lsnj.org/cjls

Who are the executives of Central Jersey Legal Services Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Central Jersey Legal Services Inc during 2022 was $77,900. There are 93 employees and 150 volunteers at Central Jersey Legal Services Inc.


Here are 28 key members and their salaries:


April C Bauknight Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Valerie J Camara Esq (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
E Martin Davidoff Cpa Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joan Douglass (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard B Gelade Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jeffrey C Green Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William P Isele Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Maurisna Joseph (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
W Lois Kahagi Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Eric B Levine Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nerlene Mayers (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael B Mcculley Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michelle Mcnair (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Demetrice R Miles Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Maritza Rodriguez Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephen A Satkin Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Angelo A Stio Iii (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James A Tarella Esq (Vice-President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Maria Velez Esq (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jacqueline Williams (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Elise Woolford (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Janice Chapin (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $186,855
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $13,769
Susan Picano (Chief Financial Officer)
  • Compensation: $128,947
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $20,953
Jose Abreu (Senior Staff Attorney)
  • Compensation: $144,073
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $11,612
Luis Franco (Senior Staff Attorney)
  • Compensation: $144,722
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $11,653
Russell Gale (Deputy Director)
  • Compensation: $161,556
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $38,794
Susan Knispel (Project Director)
  • Compensation: $166,156
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $34,891
Debbie Morgan (Deputy Director)
  • Compensation: $165,712
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $50,970


Official website here: www.lsnj.org/cjls

Where can I find the form 990 for Central Jersey Legal Services Inc?

Central Jersey Legal Services Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.lsnj.org/cjls

Learn more at the official website: www.lsnj.org/cjls

Mission Statement of Central Jersey Legal Services Inc

Central Jersey Legal Services Inc, a nonprofit law firm, is committed to providing free legal assistance in non-criminal proceedings or matters to individuals and families financially unable to afford legal assistance in Mercer County, Middlesex County, and Union County, New Jersey. The organization's mission is to ensure that individuals and families in these areas have access to legal representation, thereby protecting their housing and income, improving family stability, removing barriers to productive employment, widening access to healthcare, and assisting survivors of domestic violence obtain restraining orders, support, and custody. Central Jersey Legal Services Inc offers three levels of services to support its client community and resolve individual client problems. Case handlers provide legal assessment, advice, and referral in cases where clients are able to resolve their legal problems on their own. In complex matters or those with serious legal consequences, Central Jersey Legal Services Inc provides legal representation in administrative and court proceedings. The program also delivers community legal education to the target population through workshops, clinics, and coordination with other social service provider agencies, raising community awareness of legal protections and providing community members with the tools necessary to assert their rights and promote their legal interests.

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause with the Give Freely browser extension. Save money with coupons and donate to charity with a single click. Download now!

Impact




October, 2024

Central Jersey Legal Services Inc (CJLS) significantly impacts the community by providing essential legal assistance to low-income residents in Mercer, Middlesex, and Union counties of New Jersey. With a dedicated team of 35 attorneys, 20 paralegals, and numerous volunteer attorneys, CJLS delivers comprehensive legal services to those who cannot afford representation.

Their work directly benefits individuals and families earning less than 250% of the federal poverty level. By offering free legal advice, representation in complex matters, and community legal education, CJLS empowers clients to navigate critical legal challenges. This includes helping clients avoid eviction, defend against foreclosure, secure important income sources such as Social Security, and obtain restraining orders for survivors of domestic violence.

From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, CJLS successfully closed 6,522 cases, reflecting their commitment to enhancing family stability and improving access to essential services. Their outreach through workshops and clinics raises community awareness of legal rights, equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to advocate for themselves. By fostering a more informed and capable community, CJLS plays a vital role in promoting legal protections and supporting those in need.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Central Jersey Legal Services Inc. 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.

Revenue
$10,333,046 (2022)
Expenses
$10,334,163 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $80
  • Program Service Revenue: $591,163
  • Gross Receipts: $10,333,046

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $2,591,995
  • Total Liabilities: $1,421,840
  • Net Assets: $1,170,155

Want to help this charity, for free? You can click here to learn more about Give Freely

Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

LEGAL SERVICES

Revenue

$591,163

Organization Details

Founding Year

1948

Principal Officer

Janice Chapin

Main Address

317 GEORGE STREET SUITE 201, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ, 08901

NTEE Category

Code: I80 - Crime

If you are a representative of Central Jersey Legal Services Inc and wish to learn more about how Give Freely can help you raise funds, please click here: https://givefreely.com/nonprofits/. Our services are offered at no cost to your organization.