How Legal Advocacy Transforms Lives at CHNJ
At Covenant House New Jersey, our mission is rooted in offering unconditional love, absolute respect, and relentless support to young people facing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking. This mission is not possible without a strong network of community support. One powerful example of this support in action is our ongoing partnership with the New Jersey State Bar Foundation (NJSBF).
This summer, through a generous grant from the NJSBF, we are proud to host a Summer Law Associate. It’s an initiative that brings passionate law students into the nonprofit world to gain hands-on legal experience while serving the public. This partnership isn’t just about professional development for students. It’s about expanding our capacity to deliver vital legal services that can make all the difference in a young person’s life.
Breaking Barriers Through Legal Support
Legal challenges often stand between a young person and their ability to move forward. From immigration issues and family law to housing discrimination and municipal court matters, these obstacles can feel insurmountable—especially without proper legal guidance.
“This grant allows us to provide more legal services, which can make all the difference in a young person’s life,” said Julia Einbond, CEO of Covenant House New Jersey. “For some youth facing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking in our communities, legal challenges are the obstacles preventing them from exiting homelessness and moving forward with their goals.”
Thanks to the NJSBF’s support, we’re able to help more youth tackle these challenges head-on, offering them not just representation, but hope.
From Law Student to Lifelong Advocate
Dennis Abate, our 2024 Summer Associate, brought incredible dedication and compassion to his work. His contributions ranged from drafting court documents to attending court sessions across a variety of practice areas, including family, immigration, and trusts and estates law.
“As a summer associate, I was given a unique opportunity to work with at-risk populations,” Dennis shared. “I will forever carry the lessons, ideals, and skills I learned while there. I recommend this internship to any law student, especially those with a passion for community service and outreach.”
His words echo the heart of the program: empowering the next generation of advocates while making a real impact in the lives of vulnerable youth today.
Why Community Support Matters
When organizations like the New Jersey State Bar Foundation invest in nonprofits, the ripple effect is powerful. Through partnerships like this, we’re able to:
- Expand access to justice for young people
- Build stronger support systems for vulnerable communities
- Cultivate future lawyers committed to public service
We are deeply grateful to the NJSBF for their support and to all the nonprofit organizations participating in this year’s Summer Associate program, including the ACLU of New Jersey, Community Health Law Project, Disability Rights NJ, and more.
Together, we are not just providing legal aid—we are opening doors to brighter futures.
Learn more about the New Jersey State Bar Foundation’s work and their summer associate program at njsbf.org.
Want to support Covenant House New Jersey? Find out how you can help here.
Source: The Bar Report, March 17, 2025.
