Support VLF this #GivingTuesday / Announcing 2019 Public Interest Fellowship Applications

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2018: Mimi Nguyen (second from right) with advocating with Bay Area SEARAC Leadership & Advocacy Training cohorts and Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19).

Our 2018 VABANC Law Foundation (VLF) fellow, Mimi Nguyen with the Step Forward Foundation, has been busy over the last year working on dozens of immigration cases, including work to obtain visas for human trafficking victims, domestic violence, and other crimes. Your support made it possible for Mimi to dedicate a year of her legal career to help immigrant communities by participating in workshops and forums, organizing know-your-right events, and providing legal education on immigration and other issues.

In today’s political climate, VLF’s mission of promoting justice and access to legal services has become more necessary than ever before.  86% of low-income Americans who reported having civil legal problems received inadequate or no legal help. 81% of attorneys believe that pro bono services are important but finding the time to provide free or low-cost legal services to the needy and charitable groups remains the biggest challenge. Attorneys play a critical role in addressing these legal needs through public interest work and pro bono legal services.

Since 2010, VLF has raised significant funds to place public interest lawyers directly in our communities. 100% of your support goes to the salaries of culturally competent lawyers working to address timely and critical legal issues, such as immigrant rights, workers’ rights, and environmental justice.

We pledge to continue utilizing our $50,000 per year award to stand in solidarity with public interest lawyers who will work to protect our most marginalized and vulnerable communities.

Please join us in our end-of-year fundraising campaign to help us continue our mission. Here are the ways you can make a donation:

Thank you for your ongoing support and service to our community.  Best wishes for a warm holiday season.

Very Truly Yours,
The VABANC Law Foundation Board