“Aging in Place” Launches in Westchester through Habitat for Humanity

 

A longstanding presence in the New York City legal community, Dyan Gershman heads Gershman Law, PLLC, where she provides legal services in matters ranging from intellectual property and technology licensing to complex business contracts. Possessing a strong commitment to community service, Dyan Gershman has volunteered locally with Habitat for Humanity.

In March 2023, the Westchester County Habitat for Humanity partnered with Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc., in establishing an aging in place program. Focused on energy efficiency and home repair, the $500,000 initiative provides pathways for seniors to improve their quality of life and reside in their own homes, independently and safely.

Focused on those whose income is at least 80 percent under the area median income, the program involves sending representatives out for an assessment that evaluates structural aspects of the home, as well as energy efficiency, health, and safety metrics. Among the initial services provided are installation of handrails, grab bars, and light switches, as well as the replacement of doorknobs and modifications focused on lighting and trip prevention. Accessibility modifications may also be tailored to the specific needs of those who are sight and hearing impaired.

As capacity and resources expand, the plan is to extend services to include stair lifts, entry ramps, and bathroom remodels. In tandem with certified contractors, the program will also provide access to air sealing and roof repair, insulation, window upgrades, and the replacement of boilers and HVAC systems. The results will help ensure that one of America’s most rapidly growing demographics does not face serious safety and health issues in their homes.

How Jimmy Carter Began with Habitat for Humanity in the East Village

 A New York City corporate attorney, Dyan Gershman provides a wide range of assistance to her clients through her firm, Gershman Law, PLLC, in areas such as corporate law, intellectual property licensing and commercial contracts. Possessing a strong community focus, Dyan Gershman is active with organizations such as the NYC Bar Association and Habitat for Humanity.

One of the pioneering forces of Habitat for Humanity, President Jimmy Carter has dedicated much of his life to volunteering and building homes after leaving public office. This journey began when President Carter, alongside his wife Rosalynn, worked on an East 6th Street rehabilitation project involving a building known as Mascot Flats in the East Village.

Initially visiting in a suit and tie, President Carter soon took to working on a ladder alongside his wife, who focused on designing the plumbing of this Manhattan building that “barely had a roof.” This hands-on approach to construction typified Carter’s subsequent approach to the nonprofit organization. According to resident Don Kao, who still lives in the building, the project required significant sweat equity, as he committed to working every weekend for years until completion. The payoff was a structure that is still accommodating the needs of ordinary New York residents for quality, affordable housing.

NYC Bar Association Launches Civic Education Task Force

 Based in New York City, Dyan Gershman is a longtime corporate attorney whose expertise includes complex commercial contracts and intellectual property licensing. Active in her local legal community, Dyan Gershman is a member of the NYC Bar Association and supports associated programs, such as the Civic Education Task Force.

Launched in November 2022, the task force provides the public with resources to better understand how the government serves them at the federal, state, and local levels. This involves bringing together participants from law firms of every type and size, as well as from public agencies, law schools, nonprofits, and the state and federal courts.

The main focus is on giving legal professionals and judges a forum for fostering civil discourse in ways that are meaningful to individuals and communities with urgent concerns. In addition to combatting disinformation, task force members strive to generate more civic engagement and election participation at a time of eroding trust in institutions.

Vance Center’s Ukraine Project Focuses on Pro Bono Legal Support

 Based in New York City, Dyan Gershman is a longtime business attorney who guides Gershman Law, PLLC, where she delivers representation in areas such as joint ventures, technology licensing, and mergers and acquisitions. Dyan Gershman maintains an active presence with the New York City Bar Association and its nonprofit, the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice.

One Vance Center initiative launched in 2022 was the Ukraine Project, which focuses on a conflict that has brought about wide-ranging human rights abuses and disrupted the political, economic, and legal structure of the sovereign nation of Ukraine. The threefold mission of the project consists of research, public engagement, and pro bono representation in important cases.

To date, Ukraine Project panelists have met to discuss frameworks for looking into and prosecuting atrocity crimes, as well as developing pathways for funding reconstruction. Through public discussion, the foundation is being laid for ultimate accountability in a situation that has created thousands of victims with no ready way of redress. In tandem with partner organizations, Ukraine Project researchers are documenting findings and publishing them as white papers and in journals.

The pro bono aspect of the equation centers on co-counseling with legal firms around the world and bolstering Ukrainian civil society through sound advice. This assistance includes working with a variety of NGOs in assessing where institutional and humanitarian needs are the greatest.