HARRIS ST. LAURENT & WECHSLER HELPS SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND FASTPITCH SOFTBALL LEAGUE SECURE NON-PROFIT STATUS, ASSISTS THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE OF HARLEM
May 3, 2021
Our firm recently provided pro bono assistance to the Hendricks-Ellison Scholarship Fund, Inc., by helping the organization secure 501(c)(3) non-profit status. We are also currently providing pro bono assistance to The League for Fastpitch Softball, Inc. in applying for 501(c)(3) non-profit status. In addition, the firm is currently working with The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem and providing pro bono assistance to one of their clients.
The Hendricks-Ellison Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Brandon Hendricks-Ellison, a promising 17-year-old student-athlete and recent graduate of James Monroe High School in the Bronx, who lost his life to gun violence in June 2020. The organization will offer scholarships to deserving local high school students.
Members of the firm working on the scholarship matter included paralegal and pro bono coordinator Martin Braxton, as well as associates Afrodite Fountas and Michelle Fox, and partner Joseph Gallagher.
Founded by MS 22 physical education teacher Christopher Astacio, The League for Fastpitch Softball provides opportunities for girls in New York City to grow their softball skills with the hopes they will go on to play in college. It also supports players off the field, helping them reach their full potential in school, including higher education. Our firm is filing a Certificate of Incorporation on behalf of the organization so it can raise funds as a charitable organization. The league has secured national media attention for its work, including a segment on Ellen.
Members of Harris St. Laurent & Wechsler working on The League for Fastpitch Softball matter include paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator Martin Braxton as well as associates Afrodite Fountas and Ashley Robinson.
The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem is a not-for-profit public defender service that provides legal representation to Harlem residents. We are providing pro bono assistance with drafting a pre-plea, pre-sentencing memorandum for one of the organization’s clients, Anthony S. The memorandum asks the court to consider a reduced charge in this case given the defendant’s good character and status in the community.
Members of the firm working on this matter include paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator Martin Braxton and partner Andrew St. Laurent, along with Dr. Monica Delgado.