Western New England University School of Law’s Center for Social Justice has been awarded a $163,000 grant by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to assist consumers defending credit card collection lawsuits.
The Center for Social Justice is the only organization in western Massachusetts to receive one of five Protecting Consumers from Unlawful Seizures by Creditors Grants statewide. The Center will use the grant funds to assist consumers facing improper collection activity, such as requiring payments out of exempt income including Social Security and veteran’s affairs benefits. WNE University Law students will play a key role in fulfilling the requirements of the grant.
The Center for Social Justice pursues its mission of advancing justice through research, education, advocacy, innovation, and public engagement. To date, the Center’s Consumer Debt Initiative has saved consumers over $960,000. Consumers who believe they may be subject to improper credit card debt collection activity are encouraged to contact the Center for Social Justice at 413-796-2103.
In addition to its Consumer Debt Initiative, the Center assists individuals seeking to seal criminal records, as well as individuals seeking gender-affirming changes to their driver’s licenses, passports, and other official documents. Since its inception in 2019, more than 160 WNE law students have worked at the Center as externs, interns, and pro bono volunteers, gaining both practical and professional experience, advancing their legal education, and supporting the Center and the communities it serves.
In addition to the Attorney General’s grant, the Center for Social Justice is supported by grants from the MassMutual Foundation, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, and Baystate Health, as well as generous donations from individuals and business entities. More information about the Center and its work can be found on its website at https://wne.edu/law/centers/center-for-social-justice/index.cfm.
