February 28, 2018

Carmen M. Chavez, Esq – Executive Director, Casa Cornelia Law Center

Casa Cornelia Law Center is a sponsored ministry of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

Today immigration stories permeate the news — 800,000 Dreamers seeking security and safety in the United States, the threat of constructing a border wall, and an international ban on refugees from several countries in the Middle East. Stories of those escaping persecution and seeking better lives are hardly new. In 1992, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus asked Ann Durst, SHCJ, Esq., to assess the needs of vulnerable populations in the Southwestern border of the United States. After visiting communities in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, Sister Ann determined the greatest need was in San Diego, CA. This region had the busiest land border crossing in the world.

In 1993, Sisters Ann and Mary Wayne Gradon, founded Casa Cornelia Law Center (CCLC) to provide free quality pro bono legal services to indigent immigrant communities in Southern California. Today, after ensuring that over 10,000 men, women, and children have found a safe haven, Casa Cornelia celebrates its 25th anniversary as a non-profit law firm committed to justice, perseverance, and compassion.

Please mark your calendars for CCLC’s anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at the University of San Diego’s Shiley Theatre. The event will feature jubilee awards to outstanding organizations and individuals who have supported Casa Cornelia through pro bono legal services. We are especially pleased to announce our that keynote speaker will be Nicholas Kristof, prominent New York Times journalist. He has reported on human rights violations and international refugee crises, including Darfur, Libya, and Palestine. We know you will join us in prayer, and we hope many of you will be able to join us in person!