At the young age of fifteen, Josefina* left the Mexican countryside to live with her older brother in the United States. She had built a life for herself in San Diego by the time a man named Eric* entered her world. A mutual friend set Josefina and Eric up. They began messaging each other through social media, and started seeing [...]
Yoselin* grew up in Guatemala enduring abuse and neglect from her grandparents. At just 13, she was subject to enslavement and violence by her boyfriend and his family. After fleeing to the U.S., she was able to gain legal status through Casa Cornelia's Children's Program and now lives a life full of joy and possibilities with her uncle and cousins. Yoselin* [...]
Each year, Casa Cornelia Law Center honors persons and organizations that have made an outstanding contribution in meeting the needs of victims of human and civil rights violations by bestowing the La Mancha Awards. Casa Cornelia is proud to announce that this year, Judge Dana Sabraw has been selected by our Board of Trustees as the 2019 recipient of the [...]
Fernando* comes from the conflict-ridden country of Venezuela. Growing up, he endured violence and persecution based on his sexuality, political views, and nationality. After attempting to find safety in several other countries, he finally made his way to the U.S., where he could finally be free from the violence that followed him everywhere he went. Fernando knew he was attracted to men from a [...]
Between March 11-22, 2019, San Diego law firms came together to raise necessary funds to provide access to justice for immigrant victims of human and civil rights violations. Participating firms raised $21,692, exceeding the campaign goal of $20,000, and enabled Casa Cornelia to increase life-changing free legal services to vulnerable members of our San Diego community. Through the leadership of [...]
Nancy Aeling, Esq., 2019 Distinguished Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Each year, Casa Cornelia Law Center honors those who have made an outstanding contribution in meeting the legal needs of victims of human and civil rights violations. This year, Nancy Aeling, Esq. has been chosen as the 2019 Distinguished Pro Bono Attorney of the Year! Nancy Aeling [...]
Sr. Ann Durst, SHCJ, Esq. receives her degree at Marquette University. On May 19, Sr. Ann M Durst, SHCJ, Esq. Founder of Casa Cornelia Law Center, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Marquette University in recognition of her life’s work of service. A member of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus since 1955, Sister [...]
Diogo and Antonio were recently granted asylum in the U.S. They escaped persecution based on their membership in the LGBTQ community and HIV positive status. After ongoing harassment and increased violent and fatal attacks on gay, transgender, and lesbian individuals in their country of origin, they traveled to the U.S. and applied for a humanitarian protection. Living in a conservative South American country, [...]
