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 new donors and community ambassadors. New funders, including Avaaz, The James Irvine Foundation, and the California Healthcare Foundation, quickly sprung into action in late June and early July to assist.
New friends and supporters from Los Angeles and San Diego, under the guidance of Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade and Elsa Collins, meet with Casa Cornelia staff at Chicano Park, Barrio Logan.
Our supporters made it possible to fund urgent needs, including a language line for emergency needs in indigenous languages. We also welcomed many new individual supporters like Stephanie Hanson, many of whom activated their own networks by sending an email or hosting an event. Last but certainly not least, we were glad to gain the support of new friends in L.A., organized by sisters Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade and Elsa Collins. This incredible group helped organize a supply drive of backpacks for formerly detained clients and other goods, traveled to the border to learn about immigration issues firsthand from us and other partners, facilitated the sale of a special candle to benefit the language line, and hosted a dinner fundraiser through Dinating in L.A.
In my role, I help facilitate contributions of time, talent, and treasure towards furthering our mission. This summer, my colleagues and I were overwhelmed by the time, talent, and treasure that was directed Casa Cornelia’s way, and we are so grateful.
With my most sincere gratitude,
Courtney Brown
Director of Philanthropy, Casa Cornelia Law Center