October 5, 2016

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

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

The story of four young Mexican female cousins (two sets of sisters) began with the tragic and violent loss of their fathers. Their names are Maria, Juana, Alejandra, and Gabriela.* Seeking safety, the four cousins fled to the United States with Maria and Juana’s mother. After about two years of living in the U.S., Maria and Juana’s mother told the four girls she was going on vacation and never came back. Since this disappearance, the girls have been living with their grandmother in the U.S.

Jennifer Best-Martin, one of Casa Cornelia Law Center’s volunteer attorneys and an associate and intellectual property attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP, secured Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (a form of protection for abused, abandoned, or neglected children) for all four girls. It was a special day, and Jennifer even brought the girls mini cupcakes as a treat!  Because of Jennifer, these young children are now able to live in the U.S. permanently and safely with their grandmother. We are so grateful to Jennifer and her dedication, which has served to provide a path to hope for these four brave young girls who have been through so much.

We are also grateful for the support of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, without which we would not have the passion and zeal of Cornelia Connelly instilled in our work. We thank you for allowing us to pursue humanitarian assistance, justice and hope for our clients on your behalf!

*Names have been changed.