Featured Stories
Gabriela: Escaping Violence and Finding Hope
Gabriela* is a Mexican-born woman with two children and a long-standing history of physical and psychological abuse. Growing up, she witnessed domestic violence from her father against her mother and was often even on the receiving end of his abuse. Gabriela left Mexico at the age of 15, fleeing from the abuse and hoping [...]
Reflection: The Importance of Support Services
Ismael coordinated the distribution of donated bikes and backpacks to our young clients over the holiday season. I have worked in social services for over 30 years serving in a range of roles from community organizer, direct service provider, counselor, group facilitator, teacher and program administrator. My life journey and purpose in [...]
Reflection: What does it mean to be AANHPI?
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month When I think about what it means to be AANHPI, the first thing that comes to mind is representation. Often, I internalize the pressure of being the spokesperson for an entire race or ethnicity, and that can bring a variety of mixed feelings. First, is that of [...]
Fighting for Jonathan’s Second Chance
When he was five years old, Jonathan’s* father abandoned his family, eventually finding another wife and starting a new family in the United States. Back in El Salvador, his mother struggled to support her three children on her own, but she did everything she could. “My mom made sure we went to school and [...]
Kadir’s Journey of Heartbreak and Healing
Growing up in Turkey, Kadir* hid his identity as a gay man to his conservative family and most friends in his circle. He even dated girls publicly to hide his sexuality – he says, “I never came out to my family or other friends because of fear that they would reject me, or that [...]
Reflection: VAWA Reauthorization and Continued Violence Against Asian Women
March 16, 2022 was a bittersweet day. It was a day to celebrate the Reauthorization of The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 2022 but also a day which marked the one-year anniversary of the killing of eight individuals which included six Asian women in Atlanta on March 16, 2021. As an attorney, I am [...]
International Women’s Day – Reflection by Anne S. Bautista, Esq.
March 8th, 2022 This quote from Audre Lorde comes to mind as we celebrate International Women's Day: "And that visibility which makes us most vulnerable is that which also is the source of our greatest strength." As I reflect on my career as an attorney representing women who experienced domestic violence and as an educator [...]
Elisa’s Story: Turning Pain into Perseverance
Sometimes, the most heartbreaking journeys can still end in new hope. Elisa’s* story is a testament to that. Growing up in Mexico, Elisa endured abuse from all angles just because she was different. She says, “From a very young age, I did not conform to or identify with the [male] gender assigned to me at [...]
Meet the 2021 Special Recognition Awardees!
This year, we bestow fourteen Special Recognition awards to exceptional interpreters, translators, law clerks, paralegals, and community volunteers who embody the spirit of Casa Cornelia by assisting our clients and furthering our impact with compassion, dedication and perseverance. The Law Center relies on the generosity of volunteer interpreters and translators (VITs) to bridge the language [...]
Meet the 2021 Pro Bono Publicos!
This year, we bestow twelve Pro Bono Publico awards to exceptional attorneys who embody the spirit of Casa Cornelia by representing our clients with compassion, dedication and perseverance. In 2020, the effects of the pandemic and immigration policy restrictions impacted Casa Cornelia’s programs and the clients we serve. However, these challenges did not impede the active [...]
Religious Freedom for Hashem
Hashem* was born in the 70’s in Iran to an extremely conservative Muslim family. Although it was all he knew growing up, there were many aspects of his family’s religious practices and beliefs that made Hashem uncomfortable. Some of the rituals included self-harm, polygamy, and public executions by stoning. As an Islamic state, Iran’s citizens [...]
Victoria’s Perseverance, Grit & Survival
Victoria’s* closest family growing up was her mother and her cousin, Gloria*, who was more like a sister to her. In the Democratic Republic of Congo – a country in central Africa – Victoria’s mother supported their small family by working as a shopkeeper. In addition to her day job, her mother was the president [...]
Emmanuel’s Journey: Finding Peace After Trauma
Emmanuel* never expected to have to flee his home country of Cameroon to save his and his family’s lives. He grew up in an Anglophone (English-speaking) region with his mother and sisters. His father died when Emmanuel was very young, so he eventually had to drop out of school to support his family. “I engaged [...]
Reflection from new Board Chair Dr. Gloria Bader
Gloria Bader (left) with VIT Project Assistant Alice Bendinelli at the 12th Annual La Mancha Awards I am honored to begin my role as chair of the remarkable Board of Directors of Casa Cornelia Law Center. The Board's commitment centers on guiding and supporting the Executive Director, Carmen Chavez and the entire staff, [...]
Leonardo’s Escape from Intimidation and Imprisonment
As the third of four siblings growing up in Cuba, Leonardo* had a hard time gaining the support and education he needed. His family struggled financially and he eventually had to drop out of school at age 14. He says he did it, “In order to help my parents and siblings because we did not [...]
Announcing the Carmen Chavez Justice Fund
I hope that you and your loved ones had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. My name is Tom Laube. As a longtime supporter of Casa Cornelia, a Board Member, and a Volunteer Attorney, I have gotten to know the organization from many angles. My time dedicated to ensuring access to justice for my Casa Cornelia [...]
Deacon Jim Vargas – Reflecting on my time at Casa Cornelia
Dear Friends of Casa Cornelia, I send my best to you and your families, and I pray that you are safe and healthy. I have been honored to serve as Board Member of Casa Cornelia Law Center for the past 12 years, eight of which I have served as Board Chair. As my term comes [...]
Marcel’s Story: Trapped in the Middle of the Cameroonian Conflict
Marcel* was born directly into the conflict between the English and French-Speaking regions of Cameroon. With an absent father, Marcel grew up with title of his mother’s Anglophone culture - he attended school in English and adopted Christian practices. But disputes with his father’s family over his up-bringing resulted in Marcel moving to a Francophone [...]
From Casa Cornelia Employee to Harvard Law: A Reflection by Rosa Vargas
Rosa Vargas has worked as our Pro Bono Program Assistant at Casa Cornelia for over two years. Now, she has chosen to pursue the next step of her legal career at Harvard School of Law. As she nears her last day here at the Law Center, she reflects on the people she was able to [...]
Adriana’s Story: A Doctor Running from Political Corruption
In a small town somewhere in Cuba, a young girl named Adriana* had a dream of becoming a doctor. After persevering, she graduated from medical school and began working at a clinic. One day while working, she was approached by Communist Party members pressuring her to join their party or attend political meetings. Adriana continuously [...]
We Stand with Victims of Human and Civil Rights Violations
Casa Cornelia Law Center joins our local, national, and international communities in condemning racism and crimes against humanity. We are deeply saddened by the unjust deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many others who needlessly lost their lives. Our country is based on the principle that all persons have the inalienable right to life, [...]
Gratitude and COVID-19 Updates From Casa Cornelia by Carmen Chavez, Executive Director
Dear Friend, In these difficult times, I hope you and your family are staying safe. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Casa Cornelia’s dedicated lawyers, legal assistants, volunteer attorneys, interpreters and translators continue to meet the needs of vulnerable children, families, and asylum seekers in need of pro bono legal counsel. With the fear and stress [...]
Liliana’s Story: Breaking Free from Cycles of Abuse
When Liliana* was seventeen she met Ricardo* – a neighbor that would later become her husband and change her life. Having grown up in Mexico in a lonely household with an abusive mother, Liliana found what she needed in Ricardo’s company – love, respect and a way to avoid being home. It seemed like life [...]
Volunteer Attorney Secures Legal Protection for Gabriela and Her Children
Over a decade ago, Gabriela* and her two children moved from Mexico to San Diego. After settling in their new home, she started dating a man she had met at work named Nick*. The relationship, however, quickly became one of manipulation and abuse. He was increasingly jealous and his quick temper created a hostile environment [...]
Hector’s Story: Finding Somewhere to Belong
At one time, Hector* had enjoyed his childhood growing up in Guatemala. With two parents and siblings surrounding him, he was able to go to school and stay relatively safe and cared for. But, when Hector was 12, his father suffered a stroke and passed away. This loss began to cause his family dynamic to [...]
25 Years in the Making: A Reflection by Carmen Chavez, Esq., Executive Director
Dear Friends, Exec Director Carmen M Chavez, Esq. (left) and Co-Founders Sr. Mary Wayne Gradon, SHCJ and Ann M Durst, SHCJ (right) are honored on stage at the 25th Anniversary Celebration & 2018 La Mancha Awards. With the start of the New Year comes the promise of new beginnings. I am excited to [...]
Asylum Granted: Kwamba’s Perseverance & Hope
For the past few years, the English-speaking region of Cameroon has experienced violent conflict with the French-speaking government military. Both sides of this fight have committed many human rights abuses and put innocent people in the cross-hairs. It is in this environment that a small convenience store owner named Kwamba* was raising his children. As [...]
Paulo’s Story: Finding Freedom Through Asylum
Growing up in Brazil, Paulo* was taught conservative Christian values by his family. From a young age, they instilled in him that being gay was wrong. But despite these beliefs, he could not deny his feelings towards boys throughout childhood. This conflict within was very difficult for Paulo’s mental and emotional health. The trauma was [...]
Gabriel’s Story: Escaping Violence in Guatemala
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 [...]
Patrick’s Journey from Grief to Hope
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, [...]
Josefina’s Triumph Accessing Justice for Herself and Her Child
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 [...]
Client Story: A Safe Haven for Yoselin
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 [...]
Casa Cornelia Honors Judge Sabraw with the Lucy Howell Humanitarian Award
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 [...]
Client Story: Fernando’s Harrowing Journey to Asylum
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 [...]
Lawyers Who Love Access to Justice: Pillsbury Lands in First Place!
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 [...]
Announcing the 2019 Distinguished Pro Bono Attorney of the Year
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 [...]
Sr. Ann Durst, SHCJ, Esq. receives Honorary Doctor of Law Degree at Marquette University
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 [...]
Diogo and Antonio: Escaping LGBTQ Persecution, Asylum Granted
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 [...]
VIT Program: 2018 Impact, Acknowledgements & Reflection
We have recently concluded an orientation session for our new Volunteer Interpreters and Translators (VIT), and this invites a moment of reflection for our work in 2018. As we look back to this year, one thing is very clear: We are so fortunate that you are in our team! You used your language skills to provide justice for our [...]
25th Anniversary & 2018 La Mancha Awards
On October 20, 2018, Casa Cornelia Law Center celebrated its 25th Anniversary at the 2018 La Mancha Awards, commemorating over 10,000 children, women and men who were granted humanitarian protections through pro bono legal services and representation. With your support we raised over $350,000 in event sponsorships, donations and tickets, which help us further our [...]
Responding to the Family Separation Crisis in San Diego
As the only local organization providing legal services to unaccompanied detained children, and the largest non-profit law firm assisting adult asylum seekers in San Diego County, Casa Cornelia has been uniquely positioned to assist those who were separated as a result of the Zero Tolerance policy implemented by the federal administration. Despite our success in [...]
A Tale of Two Refugees
A Reflection by Volunteer Attorney and Board Member Nancy Aeling, Esq. Of the thousands upon thousands of words I read, heard and studied in Law School, one sentence by a professor stands out: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48.) My work as a Volunteer Attorney at Casa [...]
Grateful for Our New Friends
It is truly difficult to summarize the outpouring of support that Casa Cornelia’s clients received from community members this summer - across San Diego, across California, and even across the country. As news of the family separation crisis broke, our phones began ringing… and they kept ringing. I had the honor of working with incredible [...]
VIT Program: Bridging the Language Gap
Quality representation begins by hearing the client’s story in their own words--in their own language. This is where Volunteer Interpreters and Translators (VITs) make Casa Cornelia’s mission a reality: by making the client-attorney communication possible. VITs go through a comprehensive training consisting of ethical and technical elements to set up the clients (and our volunteers) [...]
San Diego Rapid Response Network: Responding to Aggressive Deportation Tactics in the Community
As a response to the current Administration’s aggressive deportation tactics, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of San Diego and Imperial Counties launched the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN)–an interconnected system of organizations and individuals working together to respond to dehumanizing immigration enforcement activities, including checkpoints, raids, and arrests in the County. Casa Cornelia is [...]
Client Stories: Successful Asylum & Petitions Granted
Marcelo’s Asylum: Granted Marcelo*, a 19-year-old young man from a Central American country, fled to the U.S. after facing threats from MS-13 and Barrio 18 gangs, domestic violence and sexual abuse. He traveled by foot, hitchhiked, took several buses, and rode on the train also known as “La Bestia”. Although he met some people along [...]
Celebrating 25 Years of Justice with Compassion
Dear Friends, It brings me great joy to take a moment and reflect upon the history of Casa Cornelia: twenty-five years of collaboration, determination, and legal action to help thousands of children, women, and men to find justice and humanitarian protection. It is thanks to your friendship, compassion, and generosity as well as the continuous [...]
Client Stories: Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Seeking Justice
Diana* is a survivor of domestic violence – Shortly after learning that she was pregnant, her boyfriend got jealous at a party and threw her against a wall. After realizing that his abuse could kill her and her baby, Diana left the relationship. A few years later, she saw an emergency broadcast about police looking [...]
Meet Patricia Ramirez, MSW, Casa Cornelia’s Support Services Coordinator
Expanding our network to support our clients’ growth, social services and basic needs. Throughout the course of a legal case, Casa Cornelia’s clients often experience the need for basic human and social services such as housing, nourishment, access to healthcare, and education for themselves and their families. These unmet needs often become barriers to the [...]
Casa Cornelia’s Reception: Opening Doors for Clients Seeking Justice
A conversation with Evelyn Hernandez, Receptionist at Casa Cornelia As soon as a person walks through the door to share their story, Casa Cornelia staff welcome them with a smile, resources to apply for legal aid, and information about additional services. This first interaction sets the tone for the relationship with our potential clients – a [...]