Florence Roberts spent much of her career at Legal Services NYC serving low-income families, incarcerated women, and victims of domestic violence. She headed the family law units of two Legal Services NYC offices, first in Brooklyn and later in Queens, promoting the parental rights of mothers and domestic violence victims at a time when family services received little funding or resources. She started one of the City’s first uncontested divorce programs; it prioritized domestic violence victims as its clients.

In retirement, Florence volunteered with the Incarcerated Mothers Law Project of Volunteers of Legal Service, often visiting women in prison to advise them on their parental rights. She also served on the advisory board of the New York Asian Women’s Center, which helps women and children escape domestic abuse. Florence received several awards throughout her career. In 1994, she was honored with the New York City Bar Association’s Legal Services Award, and in 2001 she received the “In the Trenches” Award from the Lawyers Committee Against Domestic Violence.

The purpose of the Florence Roberts Memorial Fund is to alleviate the day to day hardships that burden women returning to their communities, and their families. In accordance with the wishes of the Roberts family, the funds will be distributed to women who demonstrate financial need for a particular purpose, including but not limited to emergency rental assistance, educational activities, and furniture and clothing needs. 

To contribute by check, please send to “Women’s Prison Association” at 110 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003. Please include “Florence Roberts Memorial Fund” in the memo.