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Reflections on the Season & Renewed Commitment to Justice

Dear Friend,

As we conclude a demanding and meaningful quarter, I want to express heartfelt gratitude for the dedication, compassion, and solidarity that make our work possible. At Casa Cornelia, we remain steadfast in our commitment to access to justice, human rights, and the integrity of the immigration justice system. These are not just ideals—they are the foundation of our work. Our attorneys uphold these principles daily, ensuring that every client, regardless of their circumstance, is treated with dignity and respect. We are defenders of due process, constitutional rights, and the legal protections afforded to all on American soil.

This season has also offered us powerful moments to reflect on the deeper purpose of our mission. Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, reminds us that the pursuit of justice is ongoing. It challenges us to confront inequality and stand for freedom in all its forms.

World Refugee Day honors the courage of those forced to flee their homelands in search of safety—a journey that so many of our clients know intimately. During Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment to our LGBTQAI+ clients, whose fight to live authentically and safely is part of the broader struggle for human rights. We just celebrated the 4^th of July holiday and we are reminded that freedom is central to our human existence. All of this underscores why we do what we do: to stand with the vulnerable, amplify their voices, and fight for justice with compassion.

We also take a moment to celebrate a special milestone within our Casa Cornelia family: the retirement of Gary Lynn. Gary’s years of service have left a lasting imprint on our organization. His dedication, wisdom, and kindness have helped shape our path forward, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions.

Thank you for continuing to walk this journey with us. Your belief in our mission sustains us—and reminds us that together, we are building a more just and compassionate world.



In Solidarity,

Carmen M. Chavez, Esq.

Executive Director

Casa Cornelia Co-Launches

Immigration Legal Services Coalition of San Diego

Casa Cornelia Law Center has co-launched the Immigration Legal Services Coalition (ILSC) of San Diego in partnership with Jewish Family Service of San Diego. This new collaborative initiative builds on the work of the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN), where Casa Cornelia has been an active member since its formation in 2017.

The ILSC provides free, short-term legal services to non-citizens who have been detained by immigration authorities or are at risk of detention. These services may include legal consultations and, when appropriate, referrals to ongoing representation through participating organizations. A shared hotline supports this effort, with Casa Cornelia responsible for coverage through its Community Legal Response Project.

The creation of the ILSC is part of a broader transition within the SDRRN. Member organizations are continuing their work through two independent collaborations: one focused on legal services and education, and the other on advocacy and impact litigation. These new partnerships reflect the evolving needs of the immigrant community in light of ongoing changes in federal policy.

Community members in immediate need of legal support may contact the ILSC hotline at 858-751-7553. While the ILSC does not collect, confirm, or share real-time information about specific immigration enforcement activities, individuals may call to request legal support for themselves or someone they know who has been detained during such an action.

Milestones of Integrity:

Gary D. Lynn’s Journey at Casa Cornelia

For years, Gary D. Lynn has been the steady hand and compassionate heart behind the scenes at Casa Cornelia Law Center. A Vietnam veteran, servant leader, and financial steward, Gary has guided us through growth, challenges, and transformation—with humility, wisdom, and unwavering purpose. His leadership helped double our budget, modernize our systems, and steer us through unexpected crises. But more than anything, Gary has been a beacon of integrity and kindness whose quiet strength has touched every corner of our mission. As Gary enters a well-earned retirement, we invite you to read the story of a man whose life of service has shaped not only our organization—but everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.

👉 Click here to read Gary’s story »

Together for Justice:

Unique Ways to Fuel Casa Cornelia’s Mission

Casa Cornelia Law Center is sustained by a community that believes in justice with compassion. In addition to direct donations, here are three meaningful ways you can help us expand access to free legal services for vulnerable immigrant communities:

1. Recommend a Grant from Your

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

Do you have a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)? You can recommend a grant to Casa Cornelia Law Center from hundreds of providers, including but not limited to:

BNY Mellon, Charityvest, Chicago Community Trust, Daffy, Fidelity Charitable, Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund, Greater Horizons, Jewish Communal Fund of New York, National Christian Foundation, National Philanthropic Trust, OJC Fund, Pledger Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, The Donors Fund, UBS, and Vanguard Charitable.

Your DAF gift will directly support pro bono legal services for children, asylum seekers, and survivors of violence.

2. Nominate Casa Cornelia for a Cy Pres Award

Are you an attorney or involved in class action litigation? Consider nominating Casa Cornelia for a cy pres award—these allow unclaimed settlement funds to be directed to nonprofits like ours that serve the public good. Your recommendation helps extend justice to children escaping abuse, survivors of trafficking and domestic violence, and asylum seekers fleeing persecution.

3. Join the Don Quixote Circle

Leave a legacy of justice and compassion by naming Casa Cornelia Law Center in your will or estate plan. As a Don Quixote Circle member, you'll join a community of like-minded individuals who believe in defending human rights and supporting immigrants in need.

Members are honored in our Annual Report and La Mancha program and invited to exclusive gratitude gatherings held twice a year.

To learn more about these opportunities,

please contact: Mia Walter, Director of Philanthropy

📧 mwalter@casacornelia.org

📞 (619) 231-7788 ext. 324

Casa Cornelia’s Internship Program

Shapes the Next Generation of Legal Advocates

This spring, Casa Cornelia Law Center was proud to welcome Angelica Flores Villegas (University of San Diego School of Law) and McKenzie Richard (California Western School of Law) as our Spring 2025 Law Clerks. As part of our Law Clerk Internship Program, both students brought a deep commitment to justice and a desire to support immigrant communities through hands-on legal work.

Angelica reflected on her time with Casa Cornelia as a “tremendously valuable experience,” noting how she was able to interview clients, prepare cases, and research legal questions alongside experienced attorneys. “I enjoyed the atmosphere at Casa Cornelia,” she said. “Everyone cared about my individual interests and was eager to help.”

For McKenzie, the internship helped her solidify her path toward becoming a solo practitioner. “This internship gave me confidence in myself and reminded me why I wanted to become an attorney in the first place,” she shared. “I appreciated getting to do the essential behind-the-scenes legal work that’s often overlooked.”

Casa Cornelia is proud to offer in-person, hands-on internship opportunities for law and undergraduate students throughout the year. Interns like Angelica and McKenzie are an integral part of our mission to provide quality pro bono legal services to vulnerable immigrant communities.

Interested in joining our next cohort? Learn more about our internship program and how to apply at: casacornelia.org/law-and-undergraduate-students

Chula Vista City Attorney Marco Verdugo

From pro bono advocate to public servant, Marco Verdugo’s journey reflects the power of compassionate legal service. Long before becoming Chula Vista’s City Attorney, he volunteered with Casa Cornelia to help a family seek asylum—and the experience continues to shape his approach to justice today.

👉 Read how one case forever influenced his commitment to equity and community service. Full story here: My Casa Cornelia Story: Chula Vista City Attorney Marco Verdugo

Have a Casa Cornelia story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Email us at panaya@casacornelia.org.

Casa Cornelia Law Center Seeks

Haitian Creole Volunteer Interpreters and Translators

At Casa Cornelia Law Center, language is a bridge to justice — and right now, we urgently need Haitian Creole-speaking volunteers to help strengthen that bridge. Our legal teams rely on compassionate interpreters and translators to ensure that every person seeking protection and legal support can be fully heard and understood.

If you are passionate about immigrant rights and believe in the power of language access, we invite you to join us as a volunteer.

What you should know:

• Location: U.S.-based volunteers only
• Flexibility: Remote opportunities available
• Time commitment: No minimum hours required — any amount of time you can offer makes a difference
• Qualifications: Fluency in both Haitian Creole and English, along with a commitment to reliability and compassion

Volunteering with Casa Cornelia means playing a crucial role in expanding access to justice for vulnerable immigrant communities.

If you or someone you know is interested in lending your language skills to this vital work, please send your resume to Artemisa Valle at avalle@casacornelia.org.

For more information, visit our Interpreter & Translator Program page on the Casa Cornelia website. Together, we can build stronger pathways to justice—one word at a time.

April Workshop Recap:

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace

On April 10, Casa Cornelia Law Center hosted a powerful event addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in the workplace—part of our ongoing GBV discussion series. The panel brought together expert voices, emerging leaders, and over 50 attendees, including attorneys, students, faith-based leaders, and advocates.

We were honored to be joined by Christy Heiskala, a Credentialed Victim Advocate with Haeggquist and Eck, and Professor Abigail Andrews from UC San Diego, who shared insights on workplace GBV, the MeToo movement, and the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. Evelyn Lopez, Managing Attorney for Casa Cornelia’s Victims of Crime Program, offered vital information about legal protections available to immigrant survivors under T and U visas.

Our incredible interns—Katie Lee, Nadia Celaya-Carrillo, and Sophia Hansen—contributed thoughtful research and reflections, highlighting the importance of access to support, trauma-informed advocacy, and community resilience.

As series coordinator Anne Bautista reminded us: “We must work together from our different disciplines. We will not give up if we know we are not alone.”

Casa Cornelia is proud to continue building bridges to justice—through legal advocacy, education, and mentorship—alongside our partners. Thank you to all who joined us and continue to stand with survivors and vulnerable communities.

Thank You, Ankura, for a Wonderful Evening of Support

In May, Ankura—a leading global expert services and consulting firm specializing in a wide range of data-driven solutions, including eDiscovery, cybersecurity, forensic accounting, compliance, dispute resolution, and investigative services—graciously hosted a Happy Hour at En Fuego Cantina to bring together supporters of Casa Cornelia Law Center. We are deeply grateful for Ankura’s long-standing and generous commitment to our mission of Justice with Compassion.

The evening was a meaningful opportunity to connect, enjoy great company, and share updates on our ongoing legal services for victims of human and civil rights violations. Partnerships like Ankura’s are vital to sustaining the pro bono efforts that transform lives every day.

Thank you, Ankura, for your continued dedication and for helping us advance the fight for justice.

More Ways to Help:

Make a Lasting Impact at Casa Cornelia Law Center

As a nonprofit dedicated to providing quality pro bono immigration legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations, we rely on the support of people who are ready to make a difference.

Volunteer Attorneys – Lend Your Expertise Today

Our Volunteer Attorney Program urgently needs attorneys from the private sector to provide pro bono legal services. In 2024, volunteer attorneys handled 20% of all our cases, highlighting the critical role of community involvement in achieving justice. If you're an attorney, we need you now to help ensure access to justice for vulnerable individuals

Volunteer Interpreters and Translators – Bridge the Gap

We also need volunteer interpreters and translators to assist clients who speak different languages. This essential work ensures that those who are marginalized and in desperate need of legal help can communicate effectively. If you have language skills, your help is urgently needed to break down barriers and make our services accessible.

Support Our Mission – Help Us Ensure Access to Justice

All of our services are provided at no cost to our clients; we can’t continue without your donations. Donate or volunteer today to ensure that immigrants in San Diego and Imperial Counties have the legal assistance they need. Every bit helps, and your action today makes an immediate difference.