2023 Celebration of Courage
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Together, we ascend.

Empowering individuals and families impacted by gender-based violence and the child welfare system.

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WE TRANSFORM LIVES

with hope and humanity

through legal advocacy and system reforM

we are champions

for every individual and family impacted by gender-based violence and the child welfare system.

WE ARE FIGHTERS

and collaborators so that the system treats everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness.

WE ARE CATALYSTS

so that the people we serve can feel hopeful, confident, and joyful about their future.

WE STAND FOR JUSTICE

Our mission is to empower individuals and families impacted by gender-based violence or the child welfare system to achieve safety and stability through holistic legal advocacy and systemic reform.

We are working toward strong communities where people have the power to navigate fair systems and overcome violence.

We care

Client-Centered

We view our clients as partners and the experts in their own lives; they are the leaders of their own legal representation.

Steadfast in Belief

We begin every interaction as if the person across the table is telling the hardest, truest story of their life; they usually are.

Intersectionality

We recognize our clients’ overlapping social identities and ranges of experiences, valuing each individual’s personhood and integrity.

Fairness

We help our clients navigate the legal system, seeking a fair outcome regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or social status.

Education

We commit to sharing knowledge and expertise in ways that grow our clients’ abilities to advocate for themselves.

1 in 4

women experience serious intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

40,000 +

clients served in over 30 years.

85%

of DCFS cases successfully appealed.

1,000 +

survivors of gender-based violence served every year.

Stories

Hear Latasha’s Story

Meet Latasha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR_w8wZyIqk Latasha’s life changed when her father passed away. She went into a deep depression, experiencing suicidal thoughts and delusions. In a moment of crisis, Latasha left her one year old son at an emergency room along

Hear Their Story »

Hear Janet’s Story

Meet Janet
Janet grew up in Mexico and came to the US, where she became friends with her future husband, Brad. While things were good between Janet and Brad for many years, their relationship eventually changed and Brad became

Hear Their Story »

Hear Kristen’s Story

Meet Kristen
https://youtu.be/QkhONSxFUfc Kristen felt hopeless. She was in a controlling marriage that contained verbal abuse and, when she became pregnant, the abuse turned physical. To protect herself and her unborn daughter, Kristen found safety in a shelter.  Kristen’s

Hear Their Story »