‘ACE' Program To Offer Legal Aid

If Glenn Crutch has learned one thing from his day job as the Public Safety Supervisor at CUNY Law School for the past 12 years, it’s that legal services are in short supply for the underserved community of South Jamaica where he grew up.
So, after three years of planning, it was a special moment for Pastor Glenn Crutch, as he is better known to congregants at the Anointed Praise and Worship Center in South Jamaica, when he officially opened his Anointed Community Empowerment (ACE) Program Center on Wednesday, November 15 and with it, the promise of good things to come for the disenfranchised he serves, including access to sound legal advice.
Aimed at reaching those whom Crutch believes need help most of all, the working poor who earn too much money to qualify for government assistance yet not enough to escape poverty, the center is now not only the permanent home for the food programs, clothing drives, employment assistance, health counseling and after-school programs the church has provided since its founding three years ago, but also of a new joint-venture between ACE and the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law.
&#8220It’s a perfect match,” said Fred P. Rooney, Project Director of the school’s Community Legal Resource Network, explaining that the school’s purpose is to provide justice for the people who can least afford it. &#8220It gives us an opportunity to put our mission into practice.”
The ACE Program law outreach will provide legal representation by way of CUNY law students supervised by faculty members. Additionally, the outreach will offer legal clinics to the broader community such as the one on elder law held a few days prior to the official opening of the center.
According to Joseph Rosenberg, supervisor of CUNY’s Elder Law Clinic, about 20 people attended seeking information on power of attorney, wills, reverse mortgages and other issues of particular concern to seniors. The new Medicare prescription drug benefits inspired many questions, Rosenberg said. &#8220People are getting notices that are difficult to understand, they’re concerned about losing benefits.”
Only recently did Crutch understand that the stated goal of the law school where he works is so relevant to the community he pastors. When he understood that, he approached the school and asked for help. &#8220I said, ‘Why not me?’” Crutch explained. &#8220I have somebody who needs the help that they offer.”
The ACE Program Center is located at 105-13/15 177th Street. For more information call 718-297-6600.