Growing up in a small Guatemalan town with his parents and two younger siblings, Gabriel* had a quiet, simple childhood. But everything changed when his father passed away from cancer. Gabriel’s mother had a serious heart condition and could not take care of him on her own. Though she tried her best to support her family, Gabriel eventually had to [...]
Patrick* grew up in a small village on the outskirts of a city in Cameroon. He was introduced to political advocacy at a young age through his father’s involvement in the Anglophones’ (English-speaking individuals) peaceful separatist movement. While he gained an understanding of his part in this movement, he was also able to follow his passion and earn a certificate in theatre, specializing in youth development. Through [...]
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 [...]
