125 Years of Justice: Looking Back on GBLS’ 125th Anniversary Year
Thanks to the enduring support of our community, Greater Boston Legal Services is reflecting on a pivotal year and marking a historic milestone: 125 years of providing free civil legal aid to our neighbors most in need.
In a year shaped by legal uncertainty and growing pressure on basic resources and protections, GBLS remained a critical lifeline for families and individuals across Greater Boston seeking legal assistance to access basic necessities.
GBLS’ Impact in FY 2024-2025
In FY 2024-2025, GBLS advocates handled more than 14,400 legal matters, assisting over 11,800 families and individuals living in poverty. Our work included:
- Helping tenants preserve safe and affordable housing and preventing illegal evictions amid an ongoing housing crisis
- Representing immigrants fleeing persecution as they sought safety and stability in the United States
- Securing life-sustaining health care and disability benefits for elders and people with disabilities
- Protecting survivors of domestic violence seeking safety for themselves and their children
Beyond individual cases, GBLS paired direct representation with systemic advocacy, advancing policy changes that protect tens of thousands more people across Massachusetts. Read our full 2024-2025 Impact Report to learn more about the work your support made possible.
Make Your Year-End Gift Last into the Future - Donate to GBLS’ Innovation Fund!
As 2025 comes to a close, we invite you to stand with GBLS and our clients at a moment when access to justice has never been more critical. Challenges to due process and the rule of law require more creativity and planning from civil legal aid organizations. We know that new legal issues will demand new and innovative solutions, and the time to get ready for these changes is now. GBLS’ Innovation Fund honors our history and impact while preparing for our future.
Your gift supports free legal assistance that keeps families housed, ensures access to health care, and protects basic legal rights.
HELP BUILD THE FUTURE OF GBLS! >>
Other ways to give before year-end:
- Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Recommend a grant to GBLS before December 31 to support immediate client needs. Learn how here.
- Bequests and Gifts of Stock: Planned giving helps ensure that GBLS will be able to help future generations of people in need of civil legal aid. Learn how here.
- Employer Matching Gifts: Check whether your employer will match your donation to double your impact.
Standing With Clients When It Matters Most
For 125 years, GBLS has met people at moments of crisis with expert legal advocacy and compassion. As one recent client shared after GBLS helped seal their eviction record, helping them to secure housing:
“Words are not enough to express my gratitude for all you have done for me in such a short period of time. I am very very grateful to you. Thank you very much.”
Your generosity makes outcomes like this possible every day.
Celebrating Over a Century of Partnership
GBLS’ work has always been bolstered by our partnerships, both with community organizations and with members of the private bar. As we celebrate 125 years of service in our community, we are deeply grateful to the law firms, corporate legal departments, foundations, and individual donors who continue to make our work possible.
Your support allows GBLS not only to respond to today’s crises, but also to innovate and prepare for the challenges ahead.