Summer 2025 Newsletter

Summer 2025 Newsletter

Dear friends,

This year is GBLS’ 125th anniversary of providing free legal aid to Boston community members who need help. It has been wonderful to celebrate GBLS’ impact and longevity, including hosting a joyful reunion of current and former staff and board members in June. In the midst of trying times in our country, world, and broader lives, joy is an act of resistance and the enduring good work of organizations like GBLS inspires hope.

Despite all that is happening at the federal level to challenge our community, GBLS remains  committed to fighting in solidarity with people living in poverty, immigrants, people with disabilities, families requiring food and cash aid, people who rely on public health systems, and everyone in our region whose rights, well-being, and safety are being politicized and threatened. GBLS is far from immune to these threats, however. We continue to monitor the potential impacts of various Executive Orders and new interpretations and revisions of federal policies, including funding cuts and outright attacks on nonprofits whose values proudly run counter to the cruelty and bigotry trumpeted by some.

You can help. Please consider contributing to GBLS’ ongoing and emerging crisis response work today by making a donation online, joining our monthly giving Sustainers Society, or directing a gift from your donor advised fund. Your donation is vital to ensuring that GBLS can continue to protect the rights and resources of our clients and neighbors.

Thank you for being a part of our community. It’s reassuring to know that 125 years in, GBLS is still here, still fighting for fairness, equality, and opportunity, on the right side of history.

Sincerely,

Jacqui Bowman

Executive Director

A Win for Tenants: Renter-Paid Broker’s Fees are Banned in MA

Finding a new place to live became more affordable for thousands of Massachusetts renters this month! For years, GBLS and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) have advocated alongside a broad coalition of advocates, lawmakers, and impacted communities, to eliminate mandatory renter-paid broker’s fees which have forced tenants to pay thousands of dollars in up-front costs just to secure a home. These fees, often amounting equivalent to one month’s rent, have been a significant barrier for low- and moderate-income families, young people, and seniors across the Commonwealth. GBLS and MLRI thank the Legislature for proposing and passing a ban on requiring renters to pay broker’s fees when they have not hired a broker themselves, and Governor Healey for signing it into law in the FY 2026 state budget.

“Families shouldn’t have to pay just to apply for housing,” said Todd Kaplan, GBLS Consumer Rights Unit Senior Attorney. If the landlord hires the broker, the landlord should pay the fee. This law helps remove yet another barrier to affordable housing.” Read more here about how this policy reform impacts Massachusetts renters.

GBLS Pushes to End to Debt-Based Driving Restrictions

GBLS, along with other members of the Road to Opportunity Act Coalition Steering Committee, including ACLU of Massachusetts, the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the Fines and Fees Justice Center,  the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, LivableStreets Alliance, and the National Consumer Law Center, has urged Massachusetts to join the growing number of states that have passed legislation to end or significantly curb debt-based driver's license suspensions. On July 9, the Boston City Council adopted a resolution in support of legislation to end debt-based driving restrictions. The resolution, filed by Councilors Liz Breadon, Henry Santana, and Benjamin Weber, supports the Road to Opportunity Act (S.2368/H.3662), introduced by Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid and Senator Julian Cyr.

The Road to Opportunity Act would eliminate license suspension triggers that are not related to road safety, and it would allow for fee waivers or reductions if drivers are unable to afford them. It would also require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to send text and email reminders to improve fine and fee collection. "Losing a driver’s license due to debt is devastating to low-wage workers, and it is common,” said Kristen Bor-Zale, GBLS Consumer Rights Unit staff attorney. “We appreciate the Boston City Council’s support of the Road to Opportunity Act.” Read more here.

GBLS Launches Access to Counsel Pilot Project to Prevent Evictions

GBLS has taken a major step toward housing stability with the launch of its Access to Counsel Pilot Project. This initiative expands legal representation for tenants facing eviction, particularly those with federal or state housing vouchers and residents of public housing. GBLS has two grants to help accomplish this work – one from the City of Boston and one from the Commonwealth.

With a focus on Boston, Chelsea, East Boston, Revere, Quincy, and Weymouth, the program provides legal assistance, eviction defense, and advocacy to prevent displacement. GBLS’ team of attorneys and paralegals work directly with tenants, offering legal representation and connecting them to vital rental assistance and social services.

By increasing access to counsel, GBLS hopes to reduce evictions, protect housing subsidies, and stabilize communities. This pilot will also help shape future efforts to make legal aid more widely available to those at risk of losing their homes.

Introducing Amanda Melvin, Pro Bono & Volunteer Coordinator

GBLS: What is your role at GBLS, and how long have you been here?

Amanda Melvin: I am the Volunteer & Pro Bono Coordinator for GBLS, and I started in January of this year.

GBLS: What led you to your role at GBLS?

AM: I’ve worked in client services my whole career. In my previous role, I built long-term relationships with families throughout Eastern Massachusetts, coaching youth and their adult mentors to build socio-emotional skills. It was deeply impactful work, and it brought me face to face with the structural barriers low-income families face daily that prevent them from thriving - lack of access to mental health care, housing instability, disparities in access to education, etc. I was pointing my clients to the organizations who were tackling these issues head-on in their communities, including GBLS. Mentorship can serve as a protective factor that allows youth to develop resilience in the face of adversity, but nothing is more impactful than removing the barriers altogether. GBLS is working to do just that, and I wanted to be a part of it. 

GBLS: What are you most looking forward to in your work as GBLS’ Pro Bono and Volunteer Coordinator? 

AM: I’m excited about maximizing the impact that GBLS can have in the community. Our attorneys and paralegals are incredibly dedicated, but the reality is that there is a greater demand for our services than there is ability to meet the need: we turn away three out of every five eligible clients because of capacity. Partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations who believe in our mission and have the skills or are willing to learn the skills to advocate for our clients, has an outsized effect on the amount of work that can happen here at GBLS.

GBLS: What do you like to do for fun?

AM: You can find me singing in a community choir, playing in my D&D campaign, making my way through my Letterboxd watchlist, learning to play the Appalachian dulcimer, or taking in the sunset on a walk at Chandler Pond.

Welcome to GBLS, Amanda! We (and our volunteers!) are looking forward to working with you!

The Employment Law Unit is now the Workers' Rights Unit!

GBLS' Employment Law Unit (ELU) is officially changing its name to the Workers’ Rights Unit (WRU). The new name more accurately describes the work they do, is consistent with language used by community partners, and centers clients.

So if you hear from someone in the Workers’ Rights Unit, don’t be confused! Same people, same work, new name.

Associates Drive Raises $750,000 for GBLS

In a year when civil legal aid faces growing uncertainty, GBLS' 2025 Associates Fund Drive stood out as a powerful statement of solidarity and action. Thanks to the dedication of almost 100 captains and over 1400 individual donors, the Drive raised a record-breaking $750,000 to support GBLS’ work for survivors of domestic violence.

As part of the campaign, Goulston & Storrs hosted a lively Trivia Night for captains, and the Drive concluded with an awards celebration featuring remarks from Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune.

Heartfelt thanks to the Associates Drive co-Chairs, captains, donors, and firms who made this achievement possible!

In Memoriam: Valenda Applegarth

GBLS remembers with fondness Valenda Applegarth, a long-time Senior Attorney in our Family Law Unit, who passed away in January 2025. Valenda was a warm, caring colleague and friend who dedicated her life to helping others. Valenda retired in 2024 after nearly 35 years at GBLS, advocating for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and stalking. A passionate and innovative advocate for her clients and survivors nationwide, Valenda created the first in the nation Relocation Counseling Project at GBLS and was an early national expert on protecting the privacy of domestic violence survivors, especially via technology. She trained other advocates throughout the U.S. on victim relocation, privacy, child custody jurisdiction and other related legal issues. In 2016, Valenda was awarded the Gail Burns-Smith Excellence in Victim Services Award from the National Crime Victim Law Institute and in 2006 was the recipient of The Mary Byron Foundation “Celebrating Solutions Award” for innovative programming. Valenda is missed by her GBLS family as a dear colleague and friend, and as a fierce advocate for clients. Read Valenda’s obituary here.

In Memoriam: Mike Elefante

We are sad to report the recent passing of Michael Elefante. Mike was a dedicated member of the GBLS Board of Directors for more than 40 years, serving as Board President as well as on numerous committees and projects. We are honored that Mike’s family has graciously included GBLS in their suggestions for charitable gifts in his memory. We thank them for their commitment to GBLS, and extend our condolences to Mike’s family, friends, and colleagues. Read Mike's obituary here.

Awards and Recognitions

Laura Gal, Managing Attorney of GBLS’ Family Law Unit, was selected by the Women’s Bar Association (WBA) as one of two recipients of the 2025 Lelia J. Robinson Award that “honors women attorneys who have captured the spirit of Lelia J. Robinson [and] recognizes women who, like Robinson, are pioneers in the legal profession and who have made a difference in the community.”

Laura and fellow recipient Kim Dougherty will be honored at the WBA’s annual Gala on October 22, 2025. Read more here.

GBLS held its Annual Meeting on June 17, 2025. Each year, GBLS staff and Board members are asked to nominate individuals to be recipients of three special awards. 

Kate Barry, Family Law Unit Senior Attorney, was awarded the 2025 Reginald Heber Smith Award for building community within and outside GBLS, innovation and excellence in legal work, and for bringing a fresh perspective to GBLS’ legal advocacy as an advocate for justice with fewer than ten years of experience.

Lisa Locher, Immigration Unit Senior Attorney, and Sandra Tavarez, Employment Law Unit Senior Paralegal, were each awarded a 2025 Dow-Gardiner-Landrum Award that honors staff and board members who demonstrate long-term commitment to ensuring that poor people have access to justice. 

Lisbeth “Beth” Britz, Immigration Unit volunteer paralegal, was awarded the 2025 Richard W. “Archie” Southgate Volunteer Award presented to honor an outstanding volunteer at GBLS. 

At the Annual Meeting, GBLS also recognized the following dedicated employees who retired in the last year, after many years of dedicated service: Nancy Lorenz, Elder, Health and Disability Unit Senior Attorney (44 years); Melanie Malherbe, Welfare Law Unit former Managing Attorney and manager of GBLS’ Family Stabilization Project (38 years); and David White, Staff Accountant (36 years).

GBLS also welcomed the following new board members: Pietra Adami, Mitchel Appelbaum, Frank Bailey, Stuart Duncan Smith, Courtney Herndon, Jayla Pinto, and Jonah Temple. 

GBLS in the news

• “Immigrants are not responsible for the housing crisis,” says GBLS housing attorney Liz Alfred, in an article for the Boston Herald about proposed changes to the emergency shelter system that would require families to provide proof of citizenship.
• In an op-ed for the Boston Globe, GBLS attorney Timothy Scalona shares his experiences in emergency family shelter as a teen, urging policymakers to develop robust solutions to family homelessness rather than restricting necessary shelter services.
• The Guardian reports on GBLS’ case against AI tenant screening service SafeRent, highlighting that AI screening is a growing threat to low-income populations and is highly unregulated.
• Pauline Quirion, director of GBLS’ CORI & Re-entry Project, expresses dismay at the delays in updating people’s records to reflect Governer Healey’s marijuana pardon from last year.
• GBLS attorney Angela Divaris is quoted in a New York Times article about the IRS’ deal to share immigrant data with ICE.
• “It’s pushing people to have to make very stark choices.” GBLS attorney Kristen Bor-Zale tells the Boston Globe regarding debt-based driver’s license suspensions.
• GBLS immigration attorney Annery Miranda weighs in on an ICE memo declaring millions of undocumented immigrants ineligible for bond hearings. “It’s very scary for a lot of immigrants who are trying to do things the right way,” she says.
• Senior housing attorney Todd Kaplan appeared on The Codcast, the Commonwealth Beacon’s podcast, discussing tenant-paid broker fees.