New Beginnings Law Center

03/17/2025

May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door. Happy St. Patrick's Day from New Beginnings Law Center ☘️

03/12/2025

http://nblawcenter.org

A North Bay attorney who provides a safety net for people who are seeking a new start in life after serving their prison sentences is the recipient of the CBS News Bay Area Icon Award.

Elissa Lasserre guides people with criminal histories to new beginnings, giving them hope.

"Yes! Absolutely. 'Cause they're worth it," she said.

Her story began 10 years ago. As a criminal defense attorney for indigent defendants, she argued for a burglar's rehabilitation outside of prison.

"Probation had recommended that my client not be sent to state prison, but the judge disregarded that and sent the client to the maximum amount in state prison," Lasserre told CBS News Bay Area.

The case hit her hard.

"I was devastated. I was crying for like three days," she remembered. "I decided I had to do something to help people stay out of the criminal justice system. And that's how New Beginnings Law Center was born."

Since 2015, Lasserre and her staff at New Beginnings Law Center have helped some 500 people re-integrate into their communities after finishing their prison terms.

Her San Rafael nonprofit supports the health of the whole person: mind, body, spirit, emotions, and community.

She collaborates with other organizations to make sure her clients get what they need in areas that include education, housing, job skills, legal help, substance-abuse treatment, reconnecting with family and more.

In California, the most recent state corrections department numbers indicate four in 10 people who are relased from prison end up back behind bars.

But among Lasserre's clients, she said there is almost no recidivism among them.

"The reason we're successful is because we're compassionate, but we have accountability," Lasserre faid.

Chivonne Bozarth's long rap sheet in drugs and burglary kept her from getting a car sales license until Lasserre helped her prove her sobriety and rehabilitation.

Inspired by Lasserre, Bozarth has now discovered new purpose working at a nonprofit, helping people in recovery find jobs.

"What I would've imagined to be an impossible task, I feel like Elissa has conquered, not just for me, but with me," Bozarth said.

The services the center provides are not free. Clients pay on a sliding scale, according to federal poverty level guidelines.

And there is no time limit. Lasserre says she's there as long as clients need her.

So for wrapping her arms around hundreds of people with criminal histories seeking new beginnings, this week's CBS News Bay Area Icon Award goes to Elissa Lasserre.

02/27/2025

"My past does not define me—my actions today do. With support, resilience, and purpose, I turned my struggles into strength. Now, I help others do the same." - John Wallace ✨

Meet John, a true testament to the power of transformation and second chances. John joined our Community Reintegration Program in 2021, carrying the weight of a 20-year criminal history. But at New Beginnings Law Center in San Rafael, we saw potential, not just a past.

Through our BIPOC mission and relentless legal advocacy, we helped John dismiss convictions and seal arrests, giving him a fresh start. His journey is one of overcoming a traumatic childhood, battling addiction, and finding redemption through therapy and hard work.

Today, John is a beacon of hope. He's the Founder and CEO of Surviving the Odds Project (buff.ly/3XdPUiu), a Marin nonprofit empowering at-risk youth through music. He also serves as a cherished member of our NBLC Board, bringing invaluable insight and passion to our team and community.

John's story proves that with support and dedication, lives can be changed. Join us in celebrating his incredible journey!

Learn more about our BIPOC Project and how we support individuals like John: https://buff.ly/4387Xud

02/26/2025

Building Brighter Futures in Marin County! ✨ At New Beginnings Law Center in San Rafael, we're empowering BIPOC communities through our dedicated BIPOC Project. We're removing barriers to housing, education, employment, healthcare, and criminal record clearing to create lasting change.

This infographic shows how we're making a difference:

Employment Assistance: Helping individuals secure stable jobs and build careers.
Housing Assistance: Providing access to safe and affordable housing.
Access to Healthcare: Ensuring everyone has the resources they need for well-being.
Criminal Record Clearing: Offering a fresh start by clearing past records.
Our mission is to foster a more equitable community in San Rafael and beyond. We believe in providing comprehensive support and opportunities for BIPOC individuals and families to thrive.

Learn more about our BIPOC Project and how you can support our work: [Link to your website or BIPOC Project page]

02/25/2025

"I refused to let my past mistakes define my future." - Precious M. ✨

Meet Precious, a true inspiration and testament to the power of second chances. Precious came to New Beginnings Law Center in San Rafael seeking legal advocacy and support after facing constant job rejections due to her past.

As a young single mother, Precious struggled with poverty, depression, and ultimately, incarceration. But she made a life-changing decision to transform her future. Through reflection, hard work, and the support of NBLC, Precious has turned her life around.

Today, she's a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor at Helen Vine Recovery Center AND a Program Coordinator at the Safe Return Project, where she empowers formerly incarcerated individuals and addresses systemic injustices. Her work is a powerful force for change in our community.

Precious's journey is a shining example of the impact of our BIPOC mission at NBLC. Join us in celebrating her incredible transformation!

Learn more about our BIPOC Project and how we support individuals like Precious: https://buff.ly/4387Xud

02/24/2025

Empowering BIPOC Communities for a Brighter Future! ✨ At New Beginnings Law Center in San Rafael, we're dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities through our BIPOC Project. We believe in providing comprehensive support for successful reentry and community integration.

This infographic highlights the services we offer, including:

⚖️ Clearing Criminal Records for Justice
🤝 Mentorship and Resource Guidance
💼 Employment Assistance
🏠 Housing Assistance
📚 Education Assistance
🏥 Access to Public Assistance and Competent Healthcare
📄 Case Management and Support
Our goal is to empower Black, Indigenous, and People of Color by addressing the unique challenges they face. We're committed to building a more equitable and just community in Marin County and surrounding areas!

Learn more about our BIPOC Project and how you can get involved: https://buff.ly/4387Xud

02/23/2025

✊ Honoring Black History Month at New Beginnings Law Center! ✊ This month, we celebrate the rich history, resilience, and contributions of the Black community. We're proud to stand in solidarity and recognize the ongoing journey towards justice and equality.

At New Beginnings Law Center, we're committed to serving our diverse community through our BIPOC Project, providing crucial legal support and resources. We believe in empowering individuals and families, and we're here to help you navigate the legal system with confidence.

Learn more about our BIPOC Project and how we're making a difference: https://buff.ly/4387Xud

01/30/2025

In case you missed it on the 5:00 news tonight, here's the Bay Area Icon Award story about the incredibly important work being done by our organization and how it came to be through the vision of Elissa Lasserre

A North Bay attorney who provides a safety net for people who are seeking a new start in life after serving their prison sentences is the recipient of the CBS News Bay Area Icon Award.

01/29/2025

Tune in today for our exciting CBS interview that will be aired on the 5 pm newscast, January 30 on the 12 pm newscast and February 2 on the 6 am newscast. The link is kpix.com/icon (not up yet). Thank you to everyone for your support!

01/23/2025

Hello everyone, our CBS interview will be aired on January 29 on the 5 pm newscast, January 30 on the 12 pm newscast and February 2 on the 6 am newscast. The link is kpix.com/icon (not up yet). Thank you to everyone for your support!

Icon Award - honoring local community heroes - CBS Bay Area

01/19/2025

We are proud to announce that our very own Elissa Lasserre, Founder and Director of NBLC has been awarded the CBS News Bay Area Icon Award. The Icon Award honors local community heroes who do outstanding service to make the San Francisco Bay Area a better place. The interview is set to air Wednesday, January 22 at 5:00 pm on KPIX, Channel 5. We will share the link as soon as we receive it from the news station. Way to go Elissa! You deserve it!

12/28/2024

This giving season, we reflect on the transformative power of second chances. At New Beginnings Law Center, we work to ensure that justice-involved individuals have the opportunity to live their lives with dignity and purpose.
Make your end-of-year tax deductible donation today http://nblawcenter.org/donate
Our services are delivered through specific projects. Through these projects, we can perform outreach to those at-risk of re-entering the criminal justice system.
• Prison Reintegration Project
• Economically Disadvantaged/Homeless Project
• Immigrant Post-Conviction Relief Project
• Professional Licensing Project
• Substance Abuse and Recovery Project
• LGBTQ Project
• BIPOC Project
• 290 Project
Every effort, big or small, contributes to breaking cycles of recidivism and fostering lasting stability. This season, consider joining us in our mission. Your donation, time, or voice can help provide life-changing opportunities for those striving for a brighter future.
Learn more about our projects and how to support our work at www.nblawcenter.org. Together, we can make this season one of hope, renewal, and transformation.