Queens Defenders

"criminal defense service:provide criminal defense services to indigent individuals within Queens county. The sole source of revenue is from its Law practice that is derived from contracts with the state and city of new york. The agency's mission is to fight for justice every day for every client. Since our founding in 1996, the agency has served more than 450,000 people involved in major trials and homicides, family court issues including domestic violence, treatment court cases, youth felonies, and immigration court. In 2020 the agency lauched rockaway community justice center which provides a community-based alternative to criminal court for youth offenders in the rockaway who have committed non-violent felonies and misdemeanors. Queens Defenders created the rcjc on the premise of restorative justicethat young offenders deserve a second chance, and that with the right kind of support, they can go on to live productive, fulfilling lives. Located at 19-24 mott avenue in far rockaway, new york, the rcjc is a partnership among Queens Defenders, local nypd precincts, and the Queens district attorney's office."

"youth program service: in 2013 the agency launched youth diversion programs to help young people develop critical life skills, improve emotional and physical health, and enhance educational and professional opportunities to build successful lives. Our youth and community outreach programs include youth justice court, youth mentoring program, after school activities at the rockaways & jamaica justice centers, and domestic violence and empowerment program ("dove") for domestic violence survivors and their family members. Queens Defenders food pantry.launched in the spring of 2020 in response to the covid-19 pandemic, Queens Defenders distributes over 25,000 boxes of food annually to residents of the rockaways and other southeast Queens communities. Since the establishment of our food pantry in 2020, Queens Defenders has provided healthy and fresh food to over 120,000 individuals and families throughout the borough. In addition to our on-site food pantry and deliveries, Queens Defenders holds "pop-up" food pantry and special holiday events events. We are committed to continuing this program and ensuring our borough's most vulnerable residents and families have access to nutritious food and essential household items."