PHILADELPHIA–The Board of Directors of the Defender Association of Philadelphia is proud to announce that Helen Gym will join the Board of Directors as a Community Board member [effective this month]. Helen Gym is a foundation fellow and a former Philadelphia City Councilmember who established right to counsel protections for tenants facing eviction and for immigrants facing deportation.
“Helen offers the Board a wealth of experience and insight through her lifelong commitment to social justice,” said Defender Board president Paul Hetznecker, “For the past three decades Helen has been a leader in fighting for immigrant communities, public education and human rights. Her policies uplifted the needs and voices of youth and families, particularly those in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. We are very excited to have Helen join our 90-year mission to provide the best representation to the residents of Philadelphia charged with crimes who cannot afford a lawyer.”
“Helen Gym’s record of fighting for marginalized communities in Philadelphia is legendary,” said Chief Defender Keisha Hudson, “Our board will benefit greatly from her leadership experience and vast knowledge of our city.”
