Tzedek DC Announces Open Horizon Fellowship Program

Tzedek DC is thrilled to announce the launch of our Open Horizon Fellowship program, aimed at expanding the pipeline of DC future public interest attorney leaders.

The program has two parallel goals: first, to expand the pipeline of DC public interest attorneys from historically marginalized communities who are well-prepared to assume future leadership roles; and, second, to contribute meaningfully to Tzedek DC’s ongoing direct legal services, policy work, community outreach, and management work.

The innovative Open Horizon Fellowship at Tzedek DC is intentionally longer than most—three years—and is designed to give post-law school Fellows a breadth and depth of experience in direct services, systemic reform, and nonprofit management and leadership, with one year each spent focused on those three areas, including, during the third year, mentoring the next Open Horizon Fellow at Tzedek DC.

“We are grateful for this social impact investment by Open Horizon and are excited to launch this Fellowship,” said Tzedek DC’s Director Ariel Levinson-Waldman. “Our full team looks forward to working closely with our Open Horizon Fellows to put them on the path towards future leadership.”

“We believe that experiential learning is a powerful driver of both personal growth and social change,” said Open Horizon Co-Founder and Acting Director Lisa Cohen. “The Open Horizon Fellowship at Tzedek DC will create access for emerging leaders who may not otherwise have these opportunities, and do so at an organization with an outstanding track record.”

Applications for the inaugural Open Horizon Fellowship at Tzedek DC open on July 15, 2025, and will close on September 30, 2025, with an anticipated start date in September 2026, running through September 2029. (A second such Fellowship is projected to begin in the fall of 2028.) Law students graduating in the spring of 2026 or those who will finish a judicial clerkship around that time are eligible for the Fellowship. Apply here today or share the job posting!

About Open Horizon

Open Horizon is a family foundation based in Alexandria, VA, established in 2019. Open Horizon collaborates with nonprofit partners to co-create opportunities that advance racial and social justice through support in Economic Justice, Education Justice, and Health Justice. Serving the Greater Washington DC area, the US South, and beyond, Open Horizon is committed to catalyzing positive change by funding, building capacity, convening communities, and amplifying voices. Through relational and values-driven philanthropy, we invest in transformative leaders and community-rooted strategies for lasting impact.

About Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since launching in 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 5,000 households and catalyzed systemic change benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC community members.

Tzedek DC Mourns the Loss of Stephen Danzansky and Celebrates His Legacy

Stephen “Steve” Danzansky was a hero to us at Tzedek DC and to so many across the District of Columbia. We are mourning his loss and also celebrating his extraordinary legacy. He was one of our greatest champions, an incredible mensch.

Steve led a remarkable life marked by the love of family, professional excellence, and service. He made an indelible imprint on the District of Columbia and the nation through decades of public service and philanthropy. As noted in the Washington Post, Steve was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who served in senior roles in two Presidents’ administrations. He dedicated his considerable talents to roles that included Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for International Affairs on the National Security Council, and he also held a senior leadership role at the U.S. Department of Education.

Inspired by his father, who had been instrumental in co-leading the creation of DC’s Home Rule Act and a leader on civil rights in the DC business community, Steve served on the DC Board of Elections and, more recently, brought his considerable passion, ideas, creativity, and philanthropic spirit to our work at Tzedek DC, where he was a Founding Member of our Advisory Council in 2017. As one of our most generous and enthusiastic supporters, he helped conceive of, build, and grow our young adult financial empowerment program.

On May 6, 2025, almost exactly one month to the day before his passing, Steve wrote a remarkable letter, addressed to young people in DC in the future. He said:

For most of the 125,000 children living in our city, the ladder of financial freedom is hidden. Or else it's too often climbed through stifling debt, heartless collection agencies, and a financial system that appears unapproachable and out of our control. In Hebrew, the words “Tzedek b'almida” means justice in learning. Tzedek DC's Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program, in partnership with the Danzansky Family Financial Freedom Fund, were established to level the playing field for every young person who lives in DC. To give every kid a sturdy rod to fish the waters of wealth and opportunity.

Steve was a true friend and partner to Tzedek DC. While we mourn his loss, we also honor his legacy—one that lives on in the thousands of lives that will be touched by the community education work he helped make possible and that his legacy will continue to inspire. May his memory be a blessing, and may his example inspire future generations to continue to advocate for justice.

Tzedek DC Releases Groundbreaking Report on DC’s Medical Debt Crisis, Urges Action as Medicaid Protections Face Threats

Nearly 20 percent of DC adults are burdened by unpaid medical bills, and that number could soon increase. Considering hundreds of billions of dollars in looming Medicaid cuts for Americans and stalled federal reforms, a new report released today by Tzedek DC details the problem for DC residents and offers solutions the DC Council can implement as a state-level government.

The report, "More Than a Band-Aid: Systemic Changes to Protect DC Residents from Medical Debt," shows how medical debt drives financial hardship, worsens health outcomes, and deepens racial and economic disparities in the District.

“With Medicaid under attack and federal protections weakening, DC must act now to shield our residents,” said Ariel Levinson-Waldman, Founding President and Director-Counsel of Tzedek DC. “Addressing medical debt head-on can help thousands of families regain financial stability and improve health outcomes and make the system fairer and smarter.”

“Medical debt is a critical issue that affects DC residents’ physical, mental, and financial health,” said Councilmember Christina Henderson, Chair of the DC Council’s Committee on Health. “Tzedek DC’s medical debt report details the scope of the problem and identifies areas for improvement. I look forward to working with my colleagues and stakeholders to reduce medical debt for District residents.”

The report outlines specific policy solutions for DC, including limiting medical debt interest rates, banning medical debt from credit reports, requiring transparency from hospitals’ financial assistance programs, and strengthening enforcement tools and compliance incentives through the DC Office of the Attorney General. The report also recommends reforming harmful medical debt collection tactics such as wage garnishment and property liens against residents’ homes on the basis of medical debt.

“Medical debt is a leading reason people are contacted by debt collectors, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino families. But, unlike other types of debt, medical debt is unpredictable, and that makes it a poor judge of anyone's creditworthiness,” said Berneta Haynes, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “People do not plan to get sick or hurt, which is why we support Tzedek DC’s report and their proposals to reduce the burden of medical debt by eliminating credit reporting of medical debt and preventing medical debt from occurring.”

DC has already helped eliminate $42 million in medical debt for more than 62,000 District residents through a 2024 DC-funded initiative by the Mayor that Tzedek DC was proud to help facilitate. But without systemic reforms, the organization warns, emergency relief will have only been a temporary fix, and more ad hoc emergency relief measures will be needed.

The report highlights how medical debt disproportionately impacts Black residents, individuals with disabilities, and mothers, further widening DC’s severe racial wealth gap. Patients facing medical debt often delay necessary care, worsening chronic conditions, and driving up long-term costs for the community.

The full report, personal stories, and Tzedek DC’s policy solution recommendations are available here.

The report was featured in the Washington Informer and on Fox5 News.

About Tzedek DC, Our Medical Debt Work, and the Health Equity Fund  

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC is a nonprofit organization.  Our mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles, including those arising from medical debt. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower its client base, which is comprised of 90% Black residents, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice, and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 4,000 client households in legal matters and catalyzed systemic reforms benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC residents.

A portion of Tzedek DC’s medical debt work is funded by the Health Equity Fund, as administered by the Greater Washington Community Foundation in partnership with the Health Equity Committee. The Health Equity Fund is designated to improve the health outcomes and health equity of residents of the District of Columbia. The historic fund is one of the largest philanthropic funds of any kind focused on community-based nonprofits that serve District residents. Given that 80 percent of DC’s health outcomes are driven by social, economic, and other factors, compared to just 20 percent by clinical care, the Health Equity Fund adopts an economic mobility frame to address the root causes of health inequity and advances a sustainable network of people, organizations, and projects to ensure equitable health outcomes for Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color and other marginalized populations in DC. 

We are especially grateful to the Health Equity Fund for the support and shared vision of health equity and racial and economic justice.

May 29 Is National 529 Day—Let’s Talk College Savings!

Do you know how 529 College Savings Plans work (hint: most families don’t)—or that you can start saving for a child’s educational future with just $25?

May 29 (5/29) is more than just a date—it’s National 529 Day, created to raise awareness of one of the most powerful (but underused) tools for increasing educational opportunity and financial security.

Named after Section 529 of the IRS Code, these tax-advantaged savings accounts were designed to help families plan ahead for higher education. Higher education or specialized skills can significantly increase one’s earning potential—on average, college graduates earn hundreds of thousands more over a lifetime compared to those with only a high school diploma. Children with even a small college savings account are significantly more likely to attend college than those without one.

Just having a savings plan can signal that higher education is possible—and worth preparing for. But too often, confusing rules, limited access to financial education, and other barriers may prevent families from opening one. 

We’re here to change that.

Busting the Top Myths About 529 Plans 

MYTH 1: You can only use 529 plans at DC schools. 

FACT: You can use your 529 plan at eligible colleges, universities, trade schools, graduate programs (including law and medical), and even apprenticeships across the U.S.—and internationally. 

MYTH 2: It’s just for tuition. 

FACT: 529 funds cover a wide range of qualified expenses, including: 

• Tuition and mandatory fees 

• Books and supplies 

• Computers and required equipment 

• Certain room and board costs 

• K-12 tuition  

• Special-needs education expenses 

• Apprenticeship-related toolkits 

• Student loan repayment 

Disclaimer: Using the funds for anything other than education expenses will lead to a 10% penalty on the growth of the investment.

MYTH 3: It’s expensive to open or maintain. 

FACT: With a DC College Savings Plan, you can start saving with just $25, and you can use tools like Ugift® and Upromise® to help you grow contributions through gifting and shopping rewards.

MYTH 4: You have to be an investing expert. 

FACT:  You do not need to be an investing expert! There are simple investment portfolio options that adjust automatically, or you can customize your plan. You can also decide your level of involvement.

MYTH 5: It’s too late to start. 

FACT: Even if your child is in high school—or if you yourself are going back to school—it’s not too late. 529 earnings grow tax-deferred, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.

MYTH 6: If the beneficiary doesn’t go to college, the money in a 529 plan is lost.

FACT: You have options—like changing the beneficiary to another family member or rolling up to $35,000 of the funds into a Roth IRA.

Want More Facts? 

Check out this comprehensive fact sheet, “The Biggest Myths of 529 Plans,” developed by the DC College Savings Plan, for more information.

DC Tax Benefits 

DC taxpayers can deduct up to $4,000/year (or $8,000 for couples filing jointly) from their DC income taxes when contributing to a DC College Savings Plan. The contributions are not tax-deductible at the federal level, but the money invested in the plans grows tax-free.

Who Can Open a 529 Plan? 

Anyone! Parents, grandparents, godparents, mentors—even you, for your own education or career training. There are no income or age limits, and you stay in control of how and when the money is used.

Why It Matters 

529 plans offer: 

• Tax-deferred growth 

• Flexible investment options

• High contribution limits 

• Family-friendly features like gifting tools 

• Peace of mind for your educational goals 

Make This 5/29 Day the Day You Take Action

Want to dive deeper this summer? 

Join our DC Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program—a free, hands-on series that includes a session on college savings plans. 

The next session will take place from June 10 to August 5. Registration is open now: https://www.tzedekdc.org/empowerment 

Need more help figuring it out? 

Submit a Tzedek DC Legal and Financial Counseling Services inquiry or call us at (202) 274-7386.

Councilmember Wendell Felder, and Former Commander Players Josh Morgan and Fred Smoot Speak at Tzedek DC Financial Empowerment Program Graduations

Tzedek DC celebrated the newest graduates of its Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program on May 6 and May 8 ceremonies at the Deanwood Library in Ward 7.

Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder and program alumni Lashawn Starkes, Tamia Perry, and YoYo Kebede spoke. In addition, at each event, a former Washington Commanders player shared their perspective and motivating words—at one, wide receiver Josh Morgan, a DC native and alum of both Dunbar and Eastern high schools, at the other, former Commander safety and former All-Rookie Team member Fred Smoot.

This spring kicked off the start of the second year of our Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program, with double the number of sessions being offered. Participants from both the in-person Ward 7 and virtual sessions gathered in person for the graduations to celebrate their hard work with one another. We are so proud of all our program graduates for their engagement and dedication over the past eight weeks!

Launched in 2023, the program provides young DC residents with the tools and knowledge to navigate everyday financial decisions—from budgeting and saving to understanding credit, avoiding scams, and exploring investments.

Each participant receives 16 hours of instruction, free access to credit and financial counseling, and $100 in seed funding for an investment account, plus three years of administrative costs covered, through Stackwell Capital, a Black-owned fintech firm. The funds are intended to help graduates apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.

Workshops are led by Tzedek DC financial counselors and attorneys, experts from our partners at Stackwell Capital and Industrial Bank, entrepreneurs from the DC-area business community, and volunteer professionals from the financial services community. We are also grateful to the Deanwood Library for hosting this cohort as well as the Washington Commanders for their continued support of the program.

“This program is about more than financial literacy—it’s about power, confidence, and opportunity,” said Ariel Levinson-Waldman, Tzedek DC’s Founding Director. “We are so proud of these young people who showed up, put in the work, and now leave with the tools to take control of their financial futures.”

For more information about the Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program, including our next cohort beginning in Ward 8 on June 10, visit https://www.tzedekdc.org/empowerment.

About Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management.

Tzedek DC Receives 2025 CCE Justice Potter Stewart Award

On May 13, Tzedek DC was honored with the 2025 Justice Potter Stewart Award from the Council for Court Excellence (CCE) for its commitment to public service, access to justice, and systemic reform in the District. 

The award was presented at he 28th Annual Justice Potter Stewart Award Dinner on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Organization of American States. Additional honorees include Susan M. Hoffman of Crowell & Moring LLP and Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., President of Howard University Hospital. 

Presented annually since 1997, the Justice Potter Stewart Award honors individuals and organizations whose work on behalf of the administration of justice has made a significant contribution to the law, the legal system, the courts, or the administrative process in the District. The award commemorates the legacy of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart. 

Tzedek DC was introduced by Allyson Baker, a founding member of Tzedek DC’s Advisory Council and a member of CCE, alongside Robin Nunn, who serves on the Boards of both Tzedek DC and CCE. Along with remarks from Tzedek DC’s Founding Director, Ariel Levinson-Waldman, we also shared a video highlighting our Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program. 

“Along with Susie Hoffman and Dr. Mitchell and the extraordinary models of advancing justice that they represent, we are honored to receive the Justice Potter Stewart Award and to stand alongside CCE as organizations unswerving in the pursuit of a fairer DC that can and will and must continue to bend the arc towards justice in this community,” said Ariel Levinson-Waldman. “This award is a tribute to our dedicated, talented, and community-minded team members and volunteers, and our clients, allies, and partners, and serves as a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to dismantling barriers to justice in the District.” 

About Tzedek DC 

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with an office in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. 

Tzedek DC Represents 42 Allied Groups to Ask the DC Circuit to Stop the Illegal Dismantling of the CFPB

An amicus (friend of the court) brief filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit says the Administration’s attempt to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is “an unconstitutional power grab” that will inflict enormous damage on ordinary Americans and the U.S. economy if the agency is shuttered. The brief—filed by the Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice at UC Berkeley, Tzedek DC, and the Student Borrower Protection Center—also includes 39 state, local, and national organizations across the country that rely on the CFPB in their work to protect consumers.

A copy of the amicus curiae brief is available here.

The brief argues that the earlier order from U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson that stopped the Administration from shutting down the CFPB should be upheld. In February, the incoming Administration moved to shutter the CFPB—firing staff, stopping work, and closing offices. In response, the union representing staff at the CFPB and several other plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming that the Administration had acted illegally.

After extensive hearings in March, Judge Jackson found that “[t]hese actions were taken in complete disregard for the decision Congress made 15 years ago, which was spurred by the devastating financial crisis of 2008 […] that the agency must exist and that it must perform specific functions to protect the borrowing public.” Because the Administration had acted unlawfully in shuttering the CFPB, Judge Jackson issued an order prohibiting the closure of the Bureau at least until the lawsuit is resolved. The amicus brief filed today provides support for Judge Jackson’s order.

Amici note that the “balance of harms” and the “public interest” – two crucial factors in determining whether a preliminary injunction is appropriate – weigh heavily in the plaintiffs’ favor.

As the brief observes:

“[Defendants’] own affidavits state that they barred employees from entering the building, terminated contracts, relinquished funding, and instigated mass layoffs […] Neither the Dodd-Frank Act nor any other source of federal law gives Defendants the authority to shutter a congressionally constituted agency without Congress’s involvement and to render that agency incapable of fulfilling its statutory mandates. […] This Court should treat Defendants’ actions as what they were: a unilateral attempt by the executive branch to delete the nation’s top financial watchdog.”

Using stories of individuals and families helped by the Bureau, the brief also explains the CFPB’s essential role in monitoring the consumer financial sector and enforcing the law. The brief notes that certain populations that are often targeted with unfair and deceptive practices—service members, veterans, and older adults—were specifically and expressly protected in the Dodd-Frank Act. Disabling the CFPB would put millions of Americans in greater danger of financial harm and abuse.

About Student Borrower Protection Center

Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC) is a nonprofit organization focused on eliminating the burden of student debt for millions of Americans. We engage in advocacy, policymaking, and litigation strategy to rein in industry abuses, protect borrowers’ rights, and advance racial and economic justice.

Learn more at protectborrowers.org or follow SBPC on Twitter @theSBPC.

About the UC Berkeley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice

The UC Berkeley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice works to create a society where economic security and opportunity are available to all.

About Tzedek DC

Drawing from the Jewish teachings of “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue,” Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with low incomes dealing with the often devastating consequences of abusive debt collection practices and other consumer related issues.

Tzedek DC Celebrates Successful Amicus: Judge Orders CFPB to Halt Dismantling

On March 28, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to reinstate and preserve the agency’s contracts, workforce, data, and operational capacity and to continue all activities required by law.  

As the Court explained, the CFPB and its acting director “were fully engaged in a hurried effort to dismantle and disable the agency entirely... in complete disregard for the decision Congress made 15 years ago, which was spurred by the devastating financial crisis of 2008 and embodied in the United States Code, that the agency must exist and that it must perform specific functions to protect the borrowing public.” The Court found that its order was necessary because “there is a substantial risk that the defendants will complete the destruction of the agency completely in violation of law well before the Court can rule on the merits, and it will be impossible to rebuild.” 

This outcome is tremendous not only for the nation’s consumers, to whom the CFPB has returned over $26 billion through its crackdowns on illegal activities, but also for the DC community that Tzedek DC serves. Tzedek DC’s amicus (friend of the court) brief detailed how Tzedek DC relies on the CFPB's rules, regulations, and services when representing clients, tracking national trends, engaging in systemic advocacy, and educating both our staff and partners and members of our client community.  

In its decision, the Court noted that it “had the benefit” of Tzedek DC’s amicus brief, a brief from 203 members of Congress, and a third from the District of Columbia and 21 states. Tzedek DC’s brief was the only amicus filed by a nonprofit organization. 

Although we celebrate this ruling, the fight is not over. The federal government has already appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, and even after the appeal, the underlying case may proceed to discovery and further litigation on the merits. Tzedek DC will continue to fight for the CFPB's survival and the ability of its workers to do their jobs. 

Tzedek DC is grateful to the brave plaintiffs and counsel who filed the lawsuit and to Kaiser PLLC, which served as co-counsel on Tzedek DC’s amicus brief.  

The Court's opinion is here.  

Tzedek DC’s earlier update about its amicus brief is here. 

Tzedek DC’s amicus brief is here. 

About Tzedek DC 

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with an office in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. 

Anjali Phillips Joins Tzedek DC’s Board of Directors

Tzedek DC is proud to announce the expansion of our Board of Directors through the addition of Anjali Phillips, who brings a remarkable combination of senior government, ethics, legal, and nonprofit leadership experience to our Board.

Anjali Phillips served until January 2025 as Deputy Counsel to Vice President Kamala Harris and led the ethics program for the Office of the Vice President. She previously served in the Biden administration as Special Assistant to the President and Associate Counsel on the White House Counsel’s Office’s Ethics and Compliance team.

Before working in government, Anjali served as the Senior Director for Development & Communications at the DC nonprofit Citybridge Education. Prior to that, Anjali was Senior Counsel at the American Bankers Association and, before that practiced law at two major law firms and served as a law clerk for a federal district court judge.

Anjali, who is a DC-area native and longtime DC resident, has previously served on the board of the Greater DC Diaper Bank, the Advisory Council for the DC Bar Foundation, and the Leadership Council for DC Greens.

In a joint statement, Tzedek DC’s Board Chair Rachel Kronowitz and Founding President and Director-Counsel Ariel Levinson-Waldman said, “We are honored to welcome Anjali to the Board. Anjali has a terrific combination of head, heart, and ethics, and will bring additional strength to Tzedek DC’s Board stewardship and strategy in a time when the organization’s work is needed more than ever.”

About Tzedek DC 

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management.

Tzedek DC, Industrial Bank, and Stackwell Capital Expand Financial Empowerment Program

 Registration open now for classes starting March 18!  

Tzedek DC, in partnership with Industrial Bank and Stackwell Capital, is announcing that the second year of our DC Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program is launching starting March 18.  

The program is provided free of cost to participants. The program offers in-depth financial education workshops, free financial and credit counseling, and meals at each in-person workshop. Additionally, participants receive $100 in seed money in a Stackwell Capital investment account created for them, plus three years of account administrative costs covered, to begin their investment journeys.  

This program is open to all DC residents over 18 years old, with a specific focus on residents of Wards 7 and 8, and also to any University of the District of Columbia students who are DC, Maryland, or Virginia residents. 

The program has a strong track record. 98% of participants who completed the program’s pilot sessions in 2023-24 said they made changes to their financial habits or decisions as a result of this program, and 93% said they would recommend the program to friends and family.

Additionally, participants shared that the program gave them hope and a positive outlook on their financial futures. One participant said that he “used to feel like there was little I could do to affect my personal finances before I joined this program, but now I feel as if I have more tools at my disposal,” and another shared that the program taught her that “there is a solution within my reach.”  

The upcoming year of the program (starting March 18, 2025) offers eight sessions, four entirely in-person and four virtual. Each session has eight workshops, for a total of 16 hours. We are offering both in-person and virtual sessions to help increase program accessibility and inclusion. We will continue hosting the in-person sessions in different Wards around the district, with a particular focus on Wards 7 and 8.  

To register for one of the two immediately upcoming sessions of the program, go to one of the following Eventbrite pages:  

• In-Person Spring Session 

• Virtual Spring Session 

About Tzedek DC 

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Launched in 2017 as a nonprofit public interest center headquartered at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, Tzedek DC also has offices in Ward 8. Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our DC community client base, comprised of 90% Black residents, 60% women, and 25% disabled DC community members. Our approach combines (i) free direct legal and financial counseling services, (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change, and (iii) providing multi-lingual community education. Tzedek DC has served over 5,000 DC client households in legal and financial counseling matters and catalyzed systemic reforms benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC residents. 

About Industrial Bank 

Industrial Bank is the oldest Black-owned financial institution in the District of Columbia and is one of the largest African American and family-owned banks in the United States. Since 1934, Industrial Bank has been a strong partner and advocate for small and large businesses, homeowners, and personal banking account customers. The Bank is a certified Minority Development Institution and SBA Preferred lender providing various deposit and loan products. Industrial Bank’s unwavering commitment to serve and financially empower the marginalized has also gained it the designation of a Community Development Financial Institution by the U.S. Treasury. The Bank’s financial literacy program dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap has reached hundreds of organizations and individuals from all ages and circumstances. Industrial Bank has branches in Washington, DC, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. Learn more at industrial-bank.com.  

About Stackwell 

Stackwell is a fintech platform harnessing the power of investing to make wealth-building possible for everyone. For too long, too many people have felt that investing just isn’t for people like them. That’s why Stackwell’s easy-to-use app and community-driven programs are designed to break down barriers to financial wellness and foster investing confidence. When more people have the opportunity to invest and grow their wealth, entire communities thrive.  

For more information, visit stackwellcapital.com.  

Tzedek DC Joins Court Fight to Stop Illegal Dismantling of CFPB

Tzedek DC files a brief as a friend of the court in support of allies seeking to stop the dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Tzedek DC has filed an amicus—or friend of the court—brief in federal court urging it to end the illegal work stoppages and employee firings at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The shuttering of the CFPB would harm Tzedek DC, Tzedek DC clients, and DC residents.

The brief, filed in support of the National Treasury Employees Union and other allies’ suit seeking relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, shows how:

• CFPB’s work bolsters Tzedek DC’s ability to ensure DC residents with low and moderate incomes can obtain legal protection in consumer-related matters, which disproportionately impact Black, Latino, and disabled residents.

• CFPB guidance provides tools to protect the rights of clients experiencing debt, discrimination in lending, scams, and other consumer-related concerns.

• CFPB’s public-facing resources and materials benefit DC residents and the general public.

“We stand with DC residents and people and organizations nationwide who have been rallying for the CFPB’s continued work and to stop the attempted unlawful dismantling by its current leadership,” said Tzedek DC Founding President and Director-Counsel Ariel Levinson-Waldman. “The 2008 financial crisis showed why we need a federal consumer financial cop on the beat.”

Since the CFPB began, DC residents have filed 31,796 complaints to the Bureau, more per capita than nearly every state. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of these complaints increased by 90%.

Tzedek DC’s Marissa Ditkowsky, Erik Goodman, Sarah Hollender, A.J. Huber, and Ariel Levinson-Waldman were on the brief, and Tzedek DC thanks our outstanding pro bono co-counsel Bill Pittard and Noah Brozinsky at Kaiser PLLC for partnering on this amicus brief.

To view the amicus brief, click here.

About Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 4,000 client households in legal matters and catalyzed systemic reforms benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC residents.

Get Your Refund: Claim the DC Homeowner and Renter Property Tax Credit (HRPTC) (Schedule H) Today!

Start the New Year with Extra Cash and Smart Financial Moves 

Did you know that if you rented or owned a DC home that you lived in during all of 2024, you may qualify for DC’s Schedule H Tax Credit?

This credit is designed to help homeowners and renters with low to moderate incomes offset the cost of housing. What’s even more exciting is that you can claim up to three years of Schedule H tax credits, which, for some people, could mean thousands of dollars back in their pocket. With tax season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of this valuable benefit—and we’re here to help!

What Is the DC Schedule H Tax Credit? 

The DC Schedule H Tax Credit, also called the DC Homeowner and Renter Property Tax Credit (HRPTC), provides up to $1,375 in property tax relief for qualifying residents (the amount varies by tax year). Whether you rent or own your home, this credit is based on the amount of property tax you pay (or help your landlord pay by paying them rent) compared to your income. 

Who Qualifies? 

You may qualify for the 2024 Schedule H Tax Credit if you meet the following criteria: 

• You were a DC resident from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. 

• Your 2024 federal adjusted gross income (AGI) was $63,900 or less in 2024 (or $87,100 or less if you are 70 years of age or older). 

• You are not claimed as a Dependent on someone else’s federal, state, or DC income tax return (unless you reached age 65 on or before December 31, 2024). 

• The property you lived in is subject to real property taxes. Please note that certain properties, such as public housing or those owned by religious organizations or nonprofits, are exempt from taxes. 

When is Schedule H Due? 

The 2024 Schedule H form is due by April 15, 2025. However, you have three years from the due date to file and claim the credit. That means that April 15, 2025, is the final deadline to file Schedule H for the 2021 tax year (January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021).

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, we can help you determine your eligibility during a financial counseling session.

How to Claim the Credit 

To claim the DC Schedule H Tax Credit: 

1.  Complete the Schedule H form when filing your DC individual income tax return. If you have already submitted your tax return for a previous year without the Schedule H form, you may file an amended return to include Schedule H. 

2. If you aren’t required to file an income tax return, you can still file the Schedule H form by itself to claim the credit. 

3. Need assistance? We can guide you on where to file your tax forms or connect you to trusted tax preparation resources.

Financial Tips to Make the Most of Your Tax Refund 

Tax refunds are a great opportunity to build financial stability. Consider these benefits of saving a portion of your refund:

• Emergency Fund: Protect yourself from unexpected expenses. 

• Debt Repayment: Reduce your high-interest debt and save on interest payments. 

• Future Financial Goals: Start working toward future goals, such as homeownership, education, or retirement. 

If you need help creating a savings plan or deciding how to use your refund to achieve your 2025 financial goals, our financial counseling team is here to help! 

Act Now!

Contact us today for free financial counseling and legal guidance. 

Don’t leave money on the table! Schedule a financial counseling appointment with us today to: 

• Determine if you qualify for the DC Schedule H or any other Tax Credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. 

•  Get guidance on where to file your tax return. 

• Learn strategies to save and maximize your refund. 

Your tax refund can be more than just a one-time payment—it can be a stepping stone to financial security. Let us help you make the most of it. Submit a direct inquiry for our services here: Tzedek DC Legal and Financial Counseling Services Inquiry

Visit tzedekdc.org or call us at (202) 274-7386 to learn more.

Tzedek DC Defends Rule Removing Medical Debt from Credit Reports

Tzedek DC and allies have filed in federal court to defend the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule that will, if upheld, remove an estimated $49 billion in medical debt from the credit reports of 15 million Americans.

Tzedek DC has joined forces with DC resident and father Harvey Coleman, as well as Texas resident and truck driver David Deeds, and the nonprofit group New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, to defend the rule, with the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) serving as pro bono counsel.

This coalition filed the motion yesterday seeking permission to intervene on behalf of the CFPB in the lawsuit previously filed by a debt collector, Specialized Collection Systems, Inc., and a trade group for debt collectors, ACA International, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas seeking to overturn the Medical Debt rule. The pleadings underscore the necessity of intervention with the CFPB under a shutdown order, which makes the CFPB unable or unwilling to defend its medical debt rule.

The medical debt rule, finalized by the CFPB earlier this year, bans the inclusion of medical bills on credit reports used by lenders and prohibits lenders from using medical information in their lending decisions. This rule, initially set to become effective on March 14, was the product of a lengthy notice and comment period in which Tzedek DC participated.

“The medical debt rule is an important protection for DC residents like Mr. Coleman and the many other people we serve in our legal and financial counseling work who are burdened by the stresses of medical debt,” said Tzedek DC’s Founding President and Director-Counsel Ariel Levinson-Waldman. “The CFPB’s rule came about after careful consideration of ours and many other interested parties’ comments, and its implementation will ensure medical debt doesn’t continue to harm Americans’ access to credit, housing, and jobs. Tzedek DC is proud to stand with NCLC and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty in support of the CFPB’s important rule. We’re especially grateful to people like Mr. Coleman and Mr. Deeds and all the allies from around the country for lending their voices to the continued, critical need for this protection.”

Since this lawsuit was filed by the debt collector and its trade association, the Acting Director of the CFPB has told CFPB staff to stop all work, including litigation, and instructed CFPB counsel not to make any appearances in litigation except to seek a pause in proceedings. The CFPB’s rule has also been challenged by an association of credit reporting agencies in another case filed in Texas, and that case has been paused. 

Having medical debt on a credit report can make it difficult for individuals to secure lines of credit, including mortgages, car loans, and credit cards. The CFPB has found that medical debts are not predictive of creditworthiness, and amounts of medical debt listed on credit reports have often been inaccurate. Further, medical debt can cause anxiety and depression and is associated with worse physical health. Medical debt is also the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. Upholding the CFPB medical debt credit reporting rule would therefore provide vital protection for consumers.

The legal memorandum in support of the motion to intervene is here. DC resident Harvey Coleman’s Declaration is here. Tzedek DC’s Declaration is here. NCLC’s press release is here.

Related Resources

1. Press release: 100+ Groups Support the CFPB’s Removal of Medical Debt From Credit Reports, Aug. 12, 2024 

2. Press release: CFPB Proposes Banning Medical Debt from Credit Reports, June 11, 2024 

3. Press release: Consumer Bureau Announces Groundbreaking Plan to Protect Americans from the Devastating Effects of Medical Debt, Sept. 21, 2023 

4. Report: Health Care Plastic: The Risks of Medical Credit Cards, Apr. 27, 2023 

5. Report: The Racial Health and Wealth Gap: Impact of Medical Debt on Black Families, Mar. 9, 2022

About Tzedek DC, Our Medical Debt Work, and the Health Equity Fund 

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC is a nonprofit organization. Our mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles, including those arising from medical debt. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower its client base, which is comprised of 90% Black residents, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice, and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 5,000 client households in legal matters and catalyzed systemic reforms benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC residents.

A portion of Tzedek DC’s medical debt work is funded by the Health Equity Fund, as administered by the Greater Washington Community Foundation in partnership with the Health Equity Committee. The Health Equity Fund is designated to improve the health outcomes and health equity of residents of the District of Columbia. The historic fund is one of the largest philanthropic funds of any kind focused on community-based nonprofits that serve District residents. Given that 80 percent of DC’s health outcomes are driven by social, economic, and other factors, compared to just 20 percent by clinical care, the Health Equity Fund adopts an economic mobility frame to address the root causes of health inequity and advances a sustainable network of people, organizations, and projects to ensure equitable health outcomes for Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color and other marginalized populations in DC.

We are especially grateful to the Health Equity Fund for the support and shared vision of health equity and racial and economic justice. 

MLK Service Day: A Day of Giving

Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’’’ On January 26, Tzedek DC organized over 30 volunteers, including representatives from CARECEN, Washington Lawyers’ Committee For Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, DCPS Persists, CSOSA, PJ Library, UDC Law, and Tzedek DC, to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

Together, we created 250 activity kits filled with handmade activity books, crayons, pencils, sticker sheets, coloring notebooks, and postcards to give to kids with messages of hope and affirmance. These kits can help bring children in the DMV some joy while they wait for their parents to receive vital legal and social services.

The kits went to our partners who tirelessly advocate for DC residents with low incomes to obtain rights in the workplace, education system, and immigration system, including First Shift Justice Project, HIAS, and CentroNia.

Want to help make an impact in the next chapter of this project? We're now seeking volunteers to help distribute kits to nonprofits and legal clinics in the DMV area, including at DC Superior Courts Childcare Center, Georgetown Health Justice Alliance Perinatal LAW Project, DC KinCare Alliance, Kids Spot Waiting Room, Safe Passage Center, and more.

Please contact jp@tzedekdc.org for more information on these volunteer opportunities.

Now more than ever, let’s work to lift our neighbors up!

Stay Scam-Free This Holiday Season!

The holiday season is a time for giving, celebrating, and connecting with loved ones. Unfortunately, it’s also a peak season for scammers looking to exploit your generosity, excitement, and goodwill. This month, Tzedek DC shines a light on several scams that can dampen your holiday spirit and offers tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Holiday Shopping Scams 

From too-good-to-be-true deals to fake online stores, holiday shopping scams are everywhere. Before making your purchases, keep these tips in mind:

• Research Before You Buy: Search online for the seller’s name alongside words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint” to test their legitimacy.

• Read the Fine Print: Understand the seller’s refund policies, return shipping costs, and restocking fees.

• Use Credit Cards: Credit cards provide extra protections and allow you to dispute charges if something goes wrong.

• Avoid Unusual Payment Methods: Never ever pay with gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps—these are red flags for scams.

Fake Delivery Notifications 

With holiday deliveries on the rise, scammers send fake delivery messages to steal your personal information or install malware on your devices. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Don’t Click on Links: If you receive a suspicious delivery notice, avoid clicking on any links and immediately delete the text or email.

• Contact Shipping Companies Directly: Use trusted contact information on the shipping confirmation email to verify the delivery message.

• Check Order Status: Visit the retailer’s website to track your order directly.

Charity Scams: Give with Confidence 

The holidays are a season of giving, but scammers often use fake charities to steal donations. Before giving:

• Research the Charity: Use trusted resources like Charity Navigator or Give.org to verify the organization.

• Be Cautious with Payment Methods:  Do not make any donations via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

• Resist Pressure: Legitimate charities won’t rush you into donating. Take time to research and verify their legitimacy.

Want to give wisely? Check out the FTC’s guide to avoiding charity scams.

The 'Secret Sister' Gift Exchange Is a Scam 

Every holiday season, the “Secret Sister” gift exchange resurfaces, promising up to 36 gifts in exchange for sending one. Whether it’s bottles of wine, $10 gifts, or even gifts for pets, this pyramid scheme is illegal and often leaves participants empty-handed.

How It Works:

1. You’re invited via social media or email to join an exchange.

2. You provide personal information like your mailing address or email.

3. You send a gift or money, expecting multiple gifts in return.

Why It’s a Scam:

• Pyramid schemes collapse when recruitment slows, leaving participants without gifts or money.

• Sharing personal information exposes you to identity theft and future scams.

• Participating is illegal under U.S. laws.

Protect Yourself: 

• Ignore the invitation—don’t participate or share the post.

• Report it to the social media platform or the U.S. Postal Inspection Services.

• Never share your personal information with strangers online.

Artificial Christmas Tree Scams

Looking for the perfect pre-lit tree to brighten your holidays? Scammers are targeting shoppers searching for deals on artificial Christmas trees. BBB Scam Tracker (run by the Better Business Bureau) has received reports of online ads offering significant discounts on full-size, pre-lit trees. After ordering, shoppers never receive their tree and struggle to get refunds.

Before buying an artificial tree from an unfamiliar website:

• Check the Company: Look for the BBB Seal to see if the business is BBB Accredited.

• Verify the Website: Make sure you are using the company’s legitimate website.

• Confirm Contact Information: Make sure the business has working phone numbers or email addresses.

• Search BBB Scam Tracker: Check if others have reported similar scams.

Spread Holiday Cheer Without Fear

The holidays should be a time of joy and connection, not stress over scams. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying vigilant, sharing these tips, and reporting suspicious activity.

Have questions or need assistance? 

Tzedek DC is here to support you. Contact us today for free financial counseling and legal guidance. Together, we can ensure a safe and joyful holiday season for all. Submit a direct inquiry for our services here: Tzedek DC Legal and Financial Counseling Services Inquiry.

Visit tzedekdc.org or call us at (202) 274-7386 to learn more.

All of us at Tzedek DC wish you a safe, happy, and scam-free holiday season! 

Hats Off to the 2024 Graduates!

Tzedek DC’s Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program

On November 12th, Tzedek DC celebrated the most recent graduates of its Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program. The event highlighted the accomplishments, determination, and growth of program participants, who are the latest cohort in the group of 56 who have completed the program during this 12-month pilot program. It was a memorable and joyful evening, with graduates hearing from Ward 8 residents Lashawn Starkes and Tamia Perry, alumnae of the program; Kamal Ali, Owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl; and DC Councilmember Robert White. 

The program and graduation were covered by Fox 5, WUSA 9, and WTOP. Check out the highlight reel below!

The program was featured on FOX 5, WUSA 9, and WTOP in live news segments. WTOP also printed an article, available here.

During this 16-hour, eight-week program, the graduates participated in intensive financial education workshops, ranging from spending plans to credit to savings and investment, to scams and frauds. Participants also received free financial and credit counseling, as well as $100 in seed money in a Stackwell Capital investment account created for them, plus four years of account administrative costs covered. 

One participant was able to improve their credit score by 100 points over the course of the program. Another participant said that personal finance “is not as hard as I thought, it isn't inaccessible, and financial freedom are for people that look like me.” This graduate’s sentiment is shared by many others, with 98% of participants saying that they have made changes to their financial habits or decisions as a result of the Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program–and 93% of participants saying they would recommend this program to their family and friends. 

The Tzedek DC team could not be more proud of our graduates, whose hard work, pursuit of knowledge, and perseverance led them to this moment of celebration. 

Special thank yous to our program partners Stackwell Capital, Industrial Bank, and cohort/graduation host Emma’s Torch for your unwavering support and dedication to financial empowerment for DC residents! 

For information on how to enroll in a 2025 cohort (in person or virtual), contact Sophie Adler at sa@tzedekdc.org.

DC Residents Achieve Wins as Clean Hands Litigation Concludes

DC workers who challenged the constitutionality of the DC government’s Clean Hands Law in federal court have elected to withdraw their lawsuit following a number of favorable recent developments. These include significant changes to that law enacted by the DC Council as well as all plaintiffs’ recent success either in receiving their requested occupational or business licenses or in getting assurances from the District government that their licenses will not be denied based on outstanding fines and fees.

In the wake of the suit filed by Tzedek DC, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, the DC government has changed its guidance covering eligibility for occupational and professional licensing—specifically, changing the language on the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) website to indicate that traffic and parking debt will not be included when determining an occupational or business license applicant’s Clean Hands eligibility.

Further, plaintiffs in the case have also now received assurances from DC officials that vendors’ tax-related debt accrued after September 30, 2023, will be excluded and/or forgiven, during the District’s consideration of the vendors’ eligibility for its “amnesty” program.

The complaint in Ayele v. District of Columbia was filed on behalf of seven individual workers, clients who were ineligible for business or occupational licenses under the Clean Hands Law. The clients listed in the complaint included a speech pathologist, aspiring small business owners, and street vendors.

At the time the suit was filed, the Clean Hands Law automatically disqualified anyone with over $100 in unpaid fines and fees of any kind from obtaining DC government-issued occupational and business licenses. The law affected more than 125 occupations, representing over 48,000 workers—nearly one-fifth of all DC workers—including food vendors, barbers, cosmetologists, nurses, social workers, plumbers, and dozens of other occupations crucial to the District’s economy. The Clean Hands law’s disproportionate impact on low-income workers and the law’s role in exacerbating racial income inequality was detailed in Tzedek DC’s 2023 report, “Locked Out: How DC Bans Workers with Unpaid Fines from More than 125 Jobs or Starting a Business, and What We Can Do About It”.

Two original plaintiffs in the case were subsequently able to resolve their occupational licensing issues entirely. One, Shawn Cheatham, is a Black Air Force veteran living in Ward 8 who has long desired to open a small plumbing business. Another, Stephanie Carrington, is a Black DC resident and trained speech pathologist who dreamed of opening up shop in her own community. However, because they both owed the District over $100 in parking and traffic fines, the language of the Clean Hands Law automatically disqualified them from starting their businesses. Following OTR’s change in guidance, and working with Tzedek DC and the Washington Lawyers Committee, Mr. Cheatham and Ms. Carrington were both able to obtain the licenses they needed and dismissed their claims.

Each of the other plaintiffs has now received significant assurances from District officials that any debts not covered by the District’s “amnesty” program will be forgiven or excluded from Clean Hands consideration. The five vendor plaintiffs, all of whom are immigrants, worked for years as DC street vendors in the District and want to continue doing so, but the Clean Hands Law has made this impossible. Four of these plaintiffs—Medhin Ayele, Kahssay Ghebrebrhan, Fasika Mehabe, and Hiwet Tesfamichael—faced exorbitant street vending fees that they were unable to pay due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related District shut down. A fifth, Antonia Diaz de Sanchez, faced a $3,000 fine that was issued in error to her vending truck. These workers now have a path forward in light of the assurances provided by the DC government during the lawsuit.

The decision to withdraw their case also reflects recent significant, positive changes in DC’s Clean Hands Law. Effective October 1, 2024, the DC Council increased the Clean Hands-based disqualification threshold ten-fold, from $100 in debt to the DC government to $1000. While further reform is needed, this change will empower more workers to obtain business and occupational licenses to work in the District and will help combat racial disparities.

Tzedek DC thanks our clients for bravely sharing their stories publicly to help all workers in the District of Columbia. We are grateful as well for the outstanding partnership with our co-counsel the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, as well as to the nonprofit Beloved Community Incubator (BCI), which worked closely with the workers involved in the case.

About Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 4,000 client households in legal matters and catalyzed systemic reforms benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC residents.

Tzedek DC Awarded $300,000 from The Motley Fool Foundation

Tzedek DC is honored to announce a new partnership and significant award from the ImpactFool (IF) Fund* as part of the inaugural program of The Motley Fool Foundation. The $300,000 unrestricted grant will be distributed over three years to support Tzedek DC’s mission of safeguarding the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with low incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. In addition, The Foundation will provide thought partnership as Tzedek DC continues to grow and deepen its impact towards ending the racial wealth gap in DC.

This award, granted to just two organizations after an extensive open-call process, represents the inaugural year of The Motley Fool Foundation’s new program. The ImpactFool (IF) Fund applies a venture capital approach to find, fund, and support innovative nonprofit models that enhance Financial Freedom and hold great promise for impact at scale.

Tzedek DC carries out our mission as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide and predatory lending and debt collection practices that disproportionately target communities of color. Without legal help, default judgments, impaired credit ratings, and outstanding fines and fees lead to problems that reduce future job prospects and harm long-term financial stability. In the worst cases, unfavorable debt judgments can set off a spiral of events leading to unemployment, homelessness, and/or prison.

“Tzedek DC is grateful to be in collaboration with The Motley Fool Foundation working together to expand access to justice within our DC community,” said Tzedek DC’s Founding President & Director-Counsel, Ariel Levinson-Waldman.

“At Tzedek DC, we see passionate experts helping households stay on the path to financial freedom at the individual level, and also using what they learn from those experiences to advocate for policy changes that benefit thousands of DC residents,” said Sean Milliken, Managing Director of The Motley Fool Foundation. “We believe their approach has the potential to improve the potential of financial freedom for Americans in communities nationwide."

About Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC is a nonprofit organization.  Our mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower its client base, which is comprised of 90% Black residents, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice, and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 4,000 client households in legal matters and catalyzed systemic reforms benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC residents.

About The Motley Fool Foundation

The Motley Fool Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity that leverages the expertise and resources of The Motley Fool to drive impactful philanthropic initiatives aimed at improving access to Financial Freedom. By combining innovative funding approaches with strategic support, the Foundation strives to create lasting change in communities across the United States.

*The ImpactFool Fund is not a traditional investment fund—but rather, it is a Venture Philanthropy Fund where donations from our community are awarded to other nonprofits by The Motley Fool Foundation.

2024 Eat Well, Do Justice!® Recap

On September 30, Tzedek DC held our eighth annual Eat Well, Do Justice!® celebration. We are enormously grateful for the outpouring of support reflected at the event, which helped us raise over $407,000—and still counting!—in support of our justice mission over the course of a fun, substantive, and tasty evening. A huge thank you to all who made the evening a special one!

Following the reception, where guests tried the competing chefs’ offerings and voted on their favorite, the program kicked off with a short video featuring the incredible impact of the pilot year of our Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program, as funds from the event will help us expand its reach and move it into the next stage. Program participants joined us for the evening to celebrate as well!

Tzedek DC’s Board Chair Rachel Kronowitz delivered welcoming remarks and introduced the musicians who led all of us in a performance of a trilingual Hebrew-Arabic-English version of Rabbi Menachem Creditor’s moving and timely song, Olam Chesed Yibaneh. This arrangement of the song about building a world from love instead of from fear was created by the Jerusalem Youth Chorus, an Israeli-Palestinian music and dialogue project. Its Founding Artistic Director Micah Hendler, who led the ensemble and the attendees’ sing-along, is currently an Artist in Residence at Adas Israel Synagogue in DC.

Founding President & Director-Counsel Ariel Levinson-Waldman connected the song to our work, including reflecting on how, “the ancient teachings of Chesed—loving and kindness—and Tzedek—justice—are closely related. It’s tangible stuff, with real, present, day-to-day applications in our mission and work…. In everything we do, how do we build and strengthen bridges, bridges that are more important than ever as we are all bombarded with messages of racism, antisemitism, and Islamaphobia, words and acts that divide us when the broader community is already so distressed? These questions pulse subtly through our day-to-day at Tzedek DC as we strive to live up to the high ideal of our name.”

Deputy Director Sarah Hollender presented Staff Attorney Linda Coe with our second-ever Janet Lowenthal Volunteer Service Award, followed by remarks from Linda herself.

Ultimately, the four stellar chefs stole the show that evening, each with their own unique creations. Gina Chersevani, founder of Buffalo & Bergen, showcased an incredible olive-forward Sicilian Cauliflower Salad; Ann-Marie James, Executive Chef at Wagshal’s Deli, highlighted her Trinidadian roots with a delicious Chana & Aloo; and Jarrad Silver, owner of Silver & Sons BBQ, provided pastrami-smoked mushroom sliders that left everyone feeling satisfied.

Despite the intense competition, one deli delight still emerged victorious! The spiced carrots with labneh from Private Chef Daniel Rosen won both the judges’ hearts and the popular vote and took home the evening’s well-deserved award. The judges’ only complaint was that they didn’t have more of it to eat!

We are especially grateful to guest judges Lisa Attman Palmer of the Attman’s Delicatessen family (who knows from deli!); Meta Vice President of Civil Rights and Deputy General Counsel Roy Austin, who also sits on Tzedek DC’s Advisory Council; Shayan Pahlevani, who co-founded Oasis, the first-ever American Muslim Leadership Center in the DMV; DC’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb; and co-founder of RASA Rahul Vinod, who won Eat Well, Do Justice!® 2023!

The event was skillfully chaired and moderated by Bonnie Benwick and co-chaired by June Kress, Laura Kumin, and Nina Simon. The Host Committee and Sponsors were also instrumental in the evening’s success, and we are grateful for the attendance of DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. For those who were unable to attend, links to the Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program video, as well as a video of the beautiful musical arrangement, are available above.

As announced at the event, gifts to Tzedek DC this month are being matched thanks to the extraordinary generosity of several anonymous donors. The match extends up to $18,000 and has not yet closed, and proceeds will support the growth of our Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program and make it accessible to more young people. Please consider donating now to double the impact of your gift!

As in past years, this Eat Well, Do Justice!® event sold out weeks before the event. Make sure to secure your tickets for EWDJ 2025 when they become available next summer!

Tzedek DC Announces Three Senior Management Promotions

Tzedek DC has promoted three senior staff members in a significant expansion of our leadership team. Long-time Associate Director Sarah Hollender has been named Deputy Director, and Senior Staff Attorneys A.J. Huber and Jorge Tormes have each been named to Associate Director positions.

These three leaders bring proven management experience and success and have already served in enhanced leadership roles, including during Founding Director Ariel Levinson-Waldman’s sabbatical earlier in 2024. The three of them bring a combined fifteen years of experience at Tzedek DC already, and a combined total of more than 35 years of legal, public interest, and management experience. 

Ariel Levinson-Waldman said, “We have already benefited enormously from Sarah, A.J., and Jorge’s remarkable talents. In this next chapter, our management team is poised to be stronger than ever as we continue to grow the Tzedek DC team and show up for our teammates, expand our impact in support of DC residents, and, ultimately, work in broad community coalition to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents and to end the racial wealth gap in the District of Columbia.” 

In response to community demand, Tzedek DC has grown rapidly as an organization in the nearly eight years since we opened our doors, and now has 20 paid staff members, three full-time staff volunteers, and, over time, 300+ volunteers who have helped provide critically needed capacity. The expansion of our senior management team reflects that growth as the organization adapts to more effectively and efficiently meet the needs of our clients and the community we serve. 

Deputy Director Sarah Hollender has dedicated her entire 12-year legal career to civil legal aid. Sarah was the second lawyer to join Tzedek DC, in 2017, and has played a major role in the myriad ways the organization’s success, client and community member impact, and growth have evolved in the years since. As Deputy Director, she works with the senior leadership team to make and implement major organizational decisions, leads our internal decision-making and systems, grants-related work, and day-to-day operations, and supervises the Associate Directors and other team members.  

Associate Director A.J. Huber has been part of the Tzedek DC team since 2020. During that time, he has represented hundreds of DC residents in individual and systemic legal matters, mentored numerous pro bono attorneys and interns, helped develop the Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program, and played a key role in reforming DC’s debt collection laws. He supervises Tzedek DC’s staff attorneys and leads our litigation efforts. 

Associate Director Jorge Tormes has been part of the Tzedek DC team since 2020. Jorge has led Tzedek DC’s ¡Sin Deudas, Sin Dudas! (No Debts, No Doubts) Project, focused on providing services and outreach to DC’s Latino and Spanish-speaking community, and is working to expand our financial counseling program after playing a key role in its establishment. He supervises Tzedek DC’s program staff and leads our programmatic and outreach efforts. 

About Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC is a nonprofit organization.  Our mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower its client base, which is comprised of 90% Black residents, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice, and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 4,000 client households in legal matters and catalyzed systemic reforms benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC residents.