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Nonprofiteer
← CENTRAL JERSEY LEGAL SERVICES INC

Form 990 for tax year 2023

Filed by CENTRAL JERSEY LEGAL SERVICES INC.

Totals

Total revenue
$13,016,717
Total expenses
$12,953,519
Contributions and grants received
$12,194,027
Grants paid
$0
Program service revenue
$698,093
Investment income
$116,997
Other revenue
$7,600
Total assets, end of year
$7,385,984
Total liabilities, end of year
$4,205,289
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$3,180,695
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$11,235,209
Management and general expenses
$1,718,310
Fundraising expenses
$0
Program service expenses (Part III)
$11,235,209

Program services were 86.7% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1e · Government grants (contributions)

    $12,173,182

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $20,845

  • 2a · Program service revenue: LEGAL SERVICES

    total $698,093 · related or exempt $698,093

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $601,000

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $484,003

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities $116,997

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total $116,997 · excluded $116,997

  • 11a · Other revenue: MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE

    total $7,600 · excluded $7,600

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $7,600

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $460,762 · program services $397,093 · management and general $63,669

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $7,975,344 · program services $6,861,256 · management and general $1,114,088

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $905,226 · program services $785,864 · management and general $119,362

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $1,552,462 · program services $1,347,756 · management and general $204,706

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $709,593 · program services $616,026 · management and general $93,567

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $44,006 · program services $25,606 · management and general $18,400

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $234,287 · program services $233,121 · management and general $1,166

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $814,950 · program services $731,383 · management and general $83,567

  • 17 · Travel

    total $6,542 · program services $5,955 · management and general $587

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $14,080 · program services $14,080

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $93,928 · program services $89,332 · management and general $4,596

  • 24a · Other expenses: SUPPLIES & SMALL EQUIPM

    total $39,303 · program services $39,303

  • 24b · Other expenses: EQUIPMENT RENTAL & MAIT

    total $20,710 · program services $20,035 · management and general $675

  • 24c · Other expenses: LITIGATION

    total $18,762 · program services $18,762

  • 24d · Other expenses: OTHER DIRECT COSTS

    total $14,855 · program services $13,764 · management and general $1,091

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $48,709 · program services $35,873 · management and general $12,836

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $547,067 · end of year $168,551

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $1,647,009 · end of year $3,697,316

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $3,599,249 · end of year $1,986,876

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $9,415 · end of year $0

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $55,497 · end of year $50,214

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $806,465

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $527,850

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $292,695 · end of year $278,615

  • 11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

    end of year $434,313

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $1,125,014 · end of year $770,099

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $1,618,591 · end of year $1,702,404

  • 21 · Escrow or custodial account liability

    beginning of year $1,216 · end of year $1,216

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $2,543,983 · end of year $2,501,669

  • 29 · Capital stock, trust principal or current funds

    beginning of year $2,819,461 · end of year $2,902,080

  • 30 · Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund

    beginning of year $292,695 · end of year $278,615

  • 31 · Retained earnings, endowment or other funds

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

Mission and programs · 2023

Mission

PROVIDES FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN NON-CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS OR MATTERS TO PERSONS FINANCIALLY UNABLE TO AFFORD LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN MERCER COUNTY, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, AND UNION COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

Activities or mission (Part I)

PROVIDES FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN NON-CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS OR MATTERS TO PERSONS FINANCIALLY UNABLE TO AFFORD LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN MERCER COUNTY, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, AND UNION COUNTY NEW JERSEY

  • CENTRAL JERSEY LEGAL SERVICES (CJLS) IS A NONPROFIT LAW FIRM THAT SERVES LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS OF MIDDLESEX, MERCER, AND UNION COUNTIES. CJLS HAD 44 ATTORNEYS AND 22 PARALEGALS AS WELL AS OTHER SUPPORT STAFF IN FIVE OFFICES IN THE REGION'S LARGEST CITIES, TRENTON, PERTH AMBOY, NEW BRUNSWICK, AND ELIZABETH. OFFICES ARE OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. THERE ARE ALSO 150 PRIVATE ATTORNEYS WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME AND EXPERTISE TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE CLIENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES FREE CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH INCOME LESS THAN 250% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL, OR $64,550 FOR A FAMILY OF THREE. CJLS ATTORNEYS AND PARALEGALS PROVIDE CLIENTS WITH ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION TO PROTECT THEIR HOUSING AND INCOME, IMPROVE FAMILY STABILITY, REMOVE BARRIERS TO PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYMENT, WIDEN ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AND CJLS ASSISTS SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OBTAIN RESTRAINING ORDERS, SUPPORT AND CUSTODY. CJLS ASSISTS OTHERS WITH FAMILY ISSUES PROVIDING ADVICE, ASSISTANCE AND REPRESENTATION. CJLS SERVICES OFFERS THREE LEVELS OF SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE CLIENT COMMUNITY AND RESOLVE INDIVIDUAL CLIENT PROBLEMS. FIRST, CASE HANDLERS PROVIDE LEGAL ASSESSMENT, ADVICE AND REFERRAL INCASES WHERE THE CLIENT IS ABLE TO RESOLVE THEIR LEGAL PROBLEM ON THEIR OWN. INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION FROM AN ATTORNEY OR PARALEGAL IMPROVES CLIENTS' ABILITY TO ADVOCATE ON THEIR OWN BEHALF AND ACHIEVE THEIR DESIRED OUTCOME. SECOND, IN COMPLEX MATTERS OR THOSE WITH SERIOUS LEGAL CONSEQUENCES, CJLS, PROVIDES LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN ADMINISTRATIVE AND COURT PROCEEDINGS. FINALL THE PROGRAM DELIVERS COMMUNITY LEGAL EDUCATION TO THE TARGET POPULATION. THROUGH WORKSHOPS AND CLINICS, AND COORDINATION WITH OTHER SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDER AGENCIES, CJLS RAISES COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF LEGAL PROTECTIONS AND PROVIDED COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH THE TOOLS NECESSARY TO ASSERT THEIR RIGHTS AND PROMORT THEIR LEGAL INTERESTS. CJLS HELPED CLIENTS AVOID EVICTION OR OVERCOME FORECLOSURE, DEFEND THEIR RIGHTS UNDER THE TERMS OF THE LEASE, IMPROVE SUBSTANDARD HOUSING CONDITIONS, AND SECURE VITAL HOUSING SUBSIDIES. CJLS HELPED CLIENTS SECURE BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION, END CREDITOR HARASSMENT, DEFEND AGAINST FORCLOSURE, NEGOTIATE RESOLUTION OF DEBT, AND FIGHT UNFAIR AND ILLEGAL SALES PRACTICES. CJLS ASSISTED CLIENTS TO OBTAIN, INCREASE OR PROTECT IMPORANT SOURCES OF INCOME FROM SOCIAL SECURITY, DISABILITY, UNEMPLOYMENT, FOOD STAMPS, AND TANF, SO THEY COULD PROVIDE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES. CENTRAL JERSEY LEGAL SERVICES CLOSED 8,962 CASES BETWEEN JULY 1, 2023 AND JUNE 30, 2024

    Expenses $11,235,209 · Revenue $698,093

As filed on the 2023 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • April C Bauknight Esq

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Valerie J Camara Esq

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • E Martin Davidoff CPA Esq

    BOARD MEMEBR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Joan Douglass

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Richard B Gelade Esq

    VICE-PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Robert Calchi

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • William P Isele Esq

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Maurisna Joseph

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • W Lois Kahagi Esq

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Eric B Levine Esq

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Nerlene Mayers

    SECRETARY

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Michael B McCulley Esq

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Michelle McNair

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Demetrice R Miles Esq

    TREASURER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Maritza Rodriguez Esq

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Stephen A Satkin Esq

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Angelo Astio III

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • James A Tarella Esq

    PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Maria Velez Esq

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Jaqueline Williams

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Elise Woolford

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Nikki J Davis Esq

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • The Honorable Travis Francis

    BOARD MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Janice Chapin

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $217,848
    From this org
    $190,932
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $26,916
    Hours/week
    35

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $190,932
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $24,468
    Nontaxable benefits
    $2,448
    Filer's total
    $217,848
  • Wendy Cuffs-Lake

    CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $212,090
    From this org
    $149,344
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $62,746
    Hours/week
    35

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $149,344
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $20,294
    Nontaxable benefits
    $42,452
    Filer's total
    $212,090
  • Jennifer Tanner

    DIR OF GRANTS

    Total calculated
    $194,516
    From this org
    $131,808
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $62,708
    Hours/week
    35

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $131,808
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $20,281
    Nontaxable benefits
    $42,427
    Filer's total
    $194,516
  • Marysol Rosado Thomas

    SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY

    Total calculated
    $170,047
    From this org
    $149,955
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $20,092
    Hours/week
    35

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $149,955
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $18,890
    Nontaxable benefits
    $1,202
    Filer's total
    $170,047
  • Russell Gale

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $214,736
    From this org
    $175,619
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $39,117
    Hours/week
    35

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $175,619
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $22,014
    Nontaxable benefits
    $17,103
    Filer's total
    $214,736
  • Susan Knispel

    PROJECT DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $223,547
    From this org
    $177,114
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $46,433
    Hours/week
    35

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $177,114
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $22,362
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,071
    Filer's total
    $223,547
  • Debbie Morgan

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $231,195
    From this org
    $166,344
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $64,851
    Hours/week
    35

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $166,344
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $22,362
    Nontaxable benefits
    $42,489
    Filer's total
    $231,195

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

No itemized grants to organizations on this return.

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2023
Filed
25 February 2025
IRS schema version
2023v6.0
Source object
202500569349301660

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