Charlotte Center For Legal Advocacy Inc

Immigrant Justice Program offers legal services to protect immigrants and their families, regardless of immigration status. During the year, we provided services to 230 immigrant children/families; opened 197 Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases, including approximately 50 SIJS cases which were approved, allowing us to have their removal cases closed in Immigration Courts; and assisted 280 people in the Pro Bono Room of Charotte's Immigration Court (two days a week, four hours each day).

Consumer Protection Program protects consumers from fraudulent practices that can take away a family home, income and transportation. During the year, we provided legal representation and advice to 185 families on foreclosure, debt, and homeownership issues; educated 65 families through community outreach; and partnered with state-wide and national advocates to protect low-income consumers. Within this program, the Community Empowerment Program connects local neighborhoods with community-based solutions to address pressing civil legal issues, and we offer individual help to improve economic stability and increase opportunity. During the year, we assisted 250 clients through multiple expungement clinics; provided legal help to 15 Mecklenburg residents for drivers license restoration; and expanded outreach, including presentations on property tax relief and financial empowerment. Also, within this program, the Veterans Legal Services Project helps veterans build security for themselves and their families. During the year, we provided direct legal services and outreach to 131 veterans; assisted 17 veterans and families through the Wills 4 Warriors clinic; and secured $1.73 million in VA disability and other monetary benefits for local veterans.