2026-08-14T09:46:20-05:00 2025-12-31 202153727 SB & COMPANY LLC 10200 GRAND CENTRAL AVE SUITE 250 OWINGS MILLS MD 21117 990 2025-01-01 520847160 RISING FOR JUSTICE INC RISI 2026384798 901 4TH STREET NW 6000 WASHINGTON DC 20001 CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2026384798 2026-08-07 1 PAMELA GRAY P01237506 4105840060 2025 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO 901 4TH STREET NW 6000 WASHINGTON DC 20001 3027109 0 X HTTPS://RISINGFORJUSTICE.ORG/ X 1980 DC RISING FOR JUSTICE (RFJ) HARNESSES THE COLLECTIVE EFFORTS OF LAW STUDENTS, ALONGSIDE EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS, TO PURSUE JUSTICE FOR UNDERSERVED AND VULNERABLE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RESIDENTS. RFJ PROVIDES FREE LEGAL AND SOCIAL WORK SERVICES THROUGH DIRECT REPRESENTATION IN DC COURTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES. LAW STUDENTS RECEIVE HANDS-ON TRAINING IN TRIAL ADVOCACY AND ESSENTIAL LEGAL SKILLS, WHILE SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE STUDENTS GAIN FIELD EXPERIENCE SUPPORTING CLIENTS THROUGH AN INTERDISCIPLINARY MODEL OF REPRESENTATION. TOGETHER, THESE TEAMS ADDRESS THE LEGAL AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES THAT THREATEN HOUSING STABILITY, FAMILY SECURITY, AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING, WHILE CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES. 18 17 27 226 0 0 1488108 2774429 216831 96119 58141 92134 -31851 13836 1731229 2976518 299479 0 0 0 2030962 1937433 0 0 148690 1266820 1117468 3597261 3054901 -1866032 -78383 4117531 3746302 2408493 2021661 1709038 1724641 X THE MISSION OF RISING FOR JUSTICE IS TO LEVERAGE THE COLLECTIVE FORCES OF LAW STUDENTS AND SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS WHO WORK ALONG WITH OUR EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS TO ACHIEVE JUSTICE FOR OUR CLIENTS. WE DIRECTLY REPRESENT INDIVIDUALS WHO CANNOT AFFORD COUNSEL BEFORE THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS AND VARIOUS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES. WE TRAIN LAW STUDENTS FROM AREA LAW SCHOOLS IN TRIAL ADVOCACY AND OTHER LAWYERING SKILLS AND SEEK TO INSTILL IN THEM A COMMITMENT TO PRO BONO SERVICE. WE ALSO SERVE AS A FIELD PLACEMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS FROM MSW PROGRAMS WHO WORK ON TEAMS WITH OUR LAW STUDENTS AND ATTORNEYS TO SERVE THE SOCIAL SERVICES NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS THROUGH AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO CLIENT REPRESENTATION. 0 0 88003 96119 HOUSING PROGRAM: RISING FOR JUSTICE (RFJ) ADVANCES HOUSING STABILITY AND PREVENTS EVICTION THROUGH ITS HOUSING ADVOCACY AND LITIGATION CLINIC (HALC), STABILIZING COMMUNITIES (STABCOMM) PROGRAM, AND TENANT JUSTICE PROGRAM (TJP). TOGETHER, THESE INITIATIVES PROVIDE CRITICAL LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND SOCIAL-WORK SUPPORT TO LOW-INCOME DC RESIDENTS FACING EVICTION, UNSAFE HOUSING CONDITIONS, OR BARRIERS TO STABLE HOUSING. DC'S ONGOING HOUSING CRISIS, MARKED BY SOARING RENTS, LOSS OF AFFORDABLE UNITS, AND WIDENING RACIAL DISPARITIES, HAS LEFT MANY TENANTS VULNERABLE TO DISPLACEMENT AND HOMELESSNESS.RFJ'S UNIQUE POSITION AS THE SOLE LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN DC OFFERING IMMEDIATE LEGAL ADVICE AND EVICTION DEFENSE IN THE LANDLORD AND TENANT BRANCH OF DC SUPERIOR COURT UNDERSCORES THE URGENCY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF ITS WORK. ATTORNEYS, LAW STUDENTS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS CONDUCT IN-PERSON INTAKE AT THE COURTHOUSE, ASSESS EACH TENANT'S LEGAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS, AND PROVIDE ADVICE, BRIEF SERVICES, OR EXTENDED REPRESENTATION. RFJ'S INTERDISCIPLINARY MODEL COMBINES COURTROOM ADVOCACY WITH HOLISTIC CASE MANAGEMENT, CONNECTING CLIENTS TO RENTAL ASSISTANCE, FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMS, MENTAL-HEALTH CARE, AND OTHER SUPPORTS THAT STRENGTHEN LONG-TERM STABILITY.IN FY 2025, RFJ AND ITS PARTNERS REPRESENTED THOUSANDS OF TENANTS CITYWIDE, HELPING FAMILIES AVOID EVICTION, NEGOTIATE FAIR SETTLEMENTS, AND REMAIN SAFELY HOUSED. THROUGH OUTREACH, SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY, AND LITIGATION, THESE PROGRAMS ADDRESS BOTH INDIVIDUAL CRISES AND THE STRUCTURAL INEQUITIES DRIVING DC'S HOUSING EMERGENCY. BY PAIRING LEGAL DEFENSE WITH SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION, RFJ ENSURES THAT DC'S MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS HAVE A FAIR CHANCE TO PRESERVE THEIR HOMES AND REBUILD STABILITY. 230503 EXPUNGEMENT & RECORD SEALING: RISING FOR JUSTICE (RFJ) PROVIDES LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND HOLISTIC SUPPORT TO DC RESIDENTS SEEKING TO SEAL OR EXPUNGE CRIMINAL RECORDS. NEARLY 68,000 DC RESIDENTS, DISPROPORTIONATELY PEOPLE OF COLOR, LIVE WITH CRIMINAL RECORDS THAT RESTRICT ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, AND EDUCATION. BLACK RESIDENTS MAKE UP 43% OF THE CITY'S POPULATION BUT 86% OF ARRESTS, A DISPARITY THAT PERPETUATES CYCLES OF POVERTY AND EXCLUSION.THROUGH ITS CRIMINAL RECORD SEALING PROGRAM, RFJ ASSISTS CLIENTS IN NAVIGATING COMPLEX ELIGIBILITY AND FILING REQUIREMENTS, DRAFTING MOTIONS, COLLECTING DOCUMENTATION, AND PREPARING EVIDENCE OF REHABILITATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. THE PROGRAM INTEGRATES LEGAL AND SOCIAL WORK SERVICES, ENSURING THAT EVERY CLIENT NOT ONLY SECURES RECORD RELIEF BUT ALSO CONNECTS WITH EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, AND EDUCATION RESOURCES TO SUSTAIN LONG-TERM STABILITY. BY COMBINING LEGAL EXPERTISE AND WRAPAROUND SUPPORT, RFJ HELPS CLIENTS OBTAIN LIFE-CHANGING RELIEF. ONCE RECORDS ARE SEALED, INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCE MEASURABLE GAINS IN EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME, WITH STUDIES SHOWING AVERAGE WAGE INCREASES OF 22% WITHIN 1 YEAR. THE PROGRAM RESTORES OPPORTUNITY, DIGNITY, AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR DC RESIDENTS REBUILDING THEIR LIVES AFTER INVOLVEMENT WITH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. 2333578 RESPONDENT REPRESENTATION: RISING FOR JUSTICE (RFJ) OPERATES THE RESPONDENT REPRESENTATION PROGRAM (RRP) TO ENSURE DUE PROCESS AND EQUITY IN CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER (CPO) AND ANTI-STALKING ORDER (ASO) CASES IN DC. EACH YEAR, OVER 6,000 OF THESE CASES ARE FILED IN THE DC SUPERIOR COURT. PETITIONERS OFTEN RECEIVE LEGAL ASSISTANCE, WHILE RESPONDENTS, WHO FACE SERIOUS RISKS TO HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, AND FAMILY STABILITY, ARE ALMOST ALWAYS UNREPRESENTED. LAUNCHED IN 2018 AT THE REQUEST OF THE DC SUPERIOR COURT, THE RRP ADDRESSES ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT GAPS IN THE CITY'S CIVIL JUSTICE SYSTEM. JUDGES, ATTORNEY-NEGOTIATORS, AND COURT STAFF CONSISTENTLY AFFIRM THAT WHEN RESPONDENTS HAVE COUNSEL, CASES PROCEED MORE EFFICIENTLY, OUTCOMES ARE FAIRER, AND COMPLIANCE WITH COURT ORDERS IMPROVES, ENHANCING SAFETY FOR ALL PARTIES.RFJ'S SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM SUPPORTS THE PROGRAM AND HAS A PROFOUND IMPACT, PROMOTING FAIRNESS, STABILIZING FAMILIES, PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS, AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY SAFETY. THE RRP CONTINUES TO STAND AS ONE OF DC'S FEW REMAINING PATHWAYS TO EQUAL JUSTICE, ENSURING THAT BOTH SIDES IN PROTECTION-ORDER CASES HAVE ACCESS TO COMPETENT REPRESENTATION. 2652084 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 1 27 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 18 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 VA MD X X CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO 2026384798 901 4TH STREET NW 6000 WASHINGTON DC 20001 HELEN DOOLEY PRESIDENT 10.00 X X 0 0 0 BRIAN STEKLOFT TREASURER 3.00 X X 0 0 0 MARGARITA K ODONNELL SECRETARY 3.00 X X 0 0 0 CURTIS LU VICE PRESIDENT 1.00 X X 0 0 0 NITA S CUMELLO DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 CARMEN IGUINA GONZLEZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 IAN A HERBERT DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 THEODORE A HOWARD DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 TASHA HAILEY HUTCHINS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JONATHAN S JEFFRESS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 PHYLLIS A JONES DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 WILLIAM G LAXTON JR DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 HEATHER PINCKNEY DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JAMES KOUKIOS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JEREMY MERKELSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ANNE Y LEE DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MELINDA WARNER DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 40.00 X X 172689 0 8563 CHAZ J KOHLRIESER DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WORK 40.00 X 120391 0 7505 ANDREW W RABINOWITZ DIRECTOR OF TENANT JUSTICE PROGRAM 40.00 X 119678 0 7247 412758 0 23315 3 0 1 0 GINA POLLEY 9830 FRANKFURT DRIVE WALDORF MD 20603 INTERIM DIRECTOR OF LITIGATION AND ADVOC 104781 1 260750 2513679 2774429 UNIVERSITY FEES 611430 96119 96119 96119 92134 92134 64427 260750 50591 13836 13836 2976518 96119 0 105970 X 120391 101615 7998 10778 1576475 1376087 126135 74253 7759 6757 613 389 88423 77002 6990 4431 144385 125737 11413 7235 1502 1172 210 120 31800 24804 4452 2544 378119 334494 29611 14014 32101 27676 2808 1617 110112 101589 5159 3364 469665 396137 49633 23895 1932 1763 87 82 13696 12784 487 425 448 448 37859 36484 870 505 DUES/MEMBERSHIPS 24133 20762 1988 1383 16101 7221 5225 3655 3054901 2652084 254127 148690 854825 761519 219404 47456 26182 60092 3141 2734 855 407 926469 1072434 2089796 1804394 4117531 3746302 246074 126348 16875 2145544 1895313 2408493 2021661 X 396600 522666 1312438 1201975 1709038 1724641 4117531 3746302 -78383 93986 0 X X 0 1 X 1 0 X 1926596 4649401 2549785 1294273 2870548 13290603 1926596 4649401 2549785 1294273 2870548 13290603 13290603 65308 28419 30522 59239 92134 275622 188172 254686 110024 35519 13836 602237 14168462 0.93800 0.93620 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 1286525 54095 400000 940620 1256910 7003 1263913 1226312 30598 1256910 1219879 6433 1226312 3141 2734 407 407 COMMON STOCK 42276 F MUTUAL FUNDS 990395 F EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 39763 F 1072434 RIGHT-OF-USE ASSET, OPERATING 1758258 RIGHT-OF-USE ASSET, FINANCING 46136 1804394 LEASE LIABILITY - OPERATING 1848569 LEASE LIABILITY - FINANCING 46744 1895313 X 4726484 93986 1655980 1749966 2976518 0 2976518 4710881 1655980 1655980 3054901 0 3054901 PART V, LINE 4: THE FRIEDMAN FUND CONSISTS OF A CY PRES AWARD OF RESIDUAL CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FUNDS, DISTRIBUTED PURSUANT TO A 2004 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, AND IS NOT FUNDED BY DONOR CONTRIBUTIONS. THE FUND IS NOT SUBJECT TO DONOR-IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS, AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS THE AUTHORITY TO EXPEND BOTH INCOME AND PRINCIPAL, WHEN NECESSARY, TO SUPPORT THE FUND'S INTENDED CHARITABLE PURPOSE. THEREFORE, THE ORGANIZATION CLASSIFIES THE FUND AS A BOARD-DESIGNATED FUND RATHER THAN AN ENDOWMENT. PART X, LINE 2: THE ORGANIZATION IS EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAXES, OTHER THAN NET UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME, UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND IS RECOGNIZED AS SUCH BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. THE ORGANIZATION PERFORMED AN EVALUATION OF UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2025 AND 2024 AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WERE NO MATTERS THAT WOULD REQUIRE RECOGNITION IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OR WHICH MAY HAVE ANY EFFECT ON ITS TAX-EXEMPT STATUS. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2025, THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2022 THROUGH 2025 REMAINS OPEN WITH THE U.S. FEDERAL JURISDICTION OR THE VARIOUS STATES AND LOCAL JURISDICTIONS IN WHICH THE ORGANIZATION FILES TAX RETURNS. IT IS THE ORGANIZATION'S POLICY TO RECOGNIZE INTEREST AND/OR PENALTIES RELATED TO UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS, IF ANY, IN INCOME TAX EXPENSE. CELEBRATION OF SERVICES 325177 260750 64427 50591 325177 260750 64427 50591 50591 13836 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 172689 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8563 0 181252 0 0 0 FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B AFTER THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BOARD TREASURER OR BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, AND FINANCE/ACCOUNTING CONSULTANT REVIEW AND APPROVE THE FORM 990, THE COMPLETE DOCUMENT IS CIRCULATED TO THE FULL BOARD AND SUBMITTED TO THE IRS. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C THE ORGANIZATION HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY THAT APPLIES TO BOTH STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS. THE STAFF AND THE BOARD ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS POLICY ON A PERIODIC BASIS. THE POLICY COMMITTEE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWING ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND DETERMINING WHETHER AN ACTUAL CONFLICT EXISTS. IF A STAFF MEMBER OR BOARD MEMBER IS DETERMINED TO HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE PERSON IS RECUSED FROM THE DISCUSSION AND DECISIONS ARE MADE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE ORGANIZATION. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A COMPENSATION COMPARABILITY DATA WAS COMPLIED AND DISTRIBUTED TO THE SEARCH COMMITTEE TO HELP DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE SALARY FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN 2023. THIS INFORMATION WAS SHARED WITH AND DISCUSSED EXTENSIVELY BY THE FULL BOARD TO DETERMINE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SALARY RANGE SO THAT AN INDIVIDUAL COULD BE HIRED AT A COMPETITIVE SALARY. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 THE ORGANIZATION MAKES ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 11G CONSULTANTS AND PROFESSIONAL FEES: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 334,494. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 29,611. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 14,014. TOTAL EXPENSES 378,119. FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C: THE PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM PRIOR YEAR.