AYUDA
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Mission Statement
Ayuda advocates for low-income immigrants through direct legal, social and language services, training and outreach in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. We envision a community where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
About This Cause
Ayuda provides legal, social, and language services for low-income immigrants, including individuals and families affected by immigration challenges, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and family separation, ensuring access to justice and support for vulnerable communities. For over 50 years, Ayuda’s expert team has helped over 150,000 immigrants navigate complex legal systems and access vital services. With offices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, we offer both in-person and virtual services to reduce barriers. We also provide emergency financial, food, and material assistance to those in crisis, ensuring immigrants have the support they need to build safe, stable lives. This comprehensive and welcoming approach breaks down barriers, helps those in need, and makes our communities stronger. Populations Served: Ayuda’s clients are some of our most marginalized and highly resilient community members. In 2024, Ayuda provided 3,109 low-income immigrants from 84 countries with immigration legal services, domestic violence, and family law services, comprehensive case management, and/or therapy. 165 language experts contributed to our interpreter bank, accessible to 118 nonprofits, allowing them to break down language barriers as they support clients. Over $228,000 in financial assistance, 21,400 diapers, and 12,800 pounds of food were distributed to help new immigrant families thrive. Many of Ayuda’s clients come to the U.S fleeing violence in their home country. Many of the individuals who turn to Ayuda for help are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and/or other crimes. Another specialized population served by Ayuda is immigrant children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by the parents or caregivers, and who may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). Ayuda’s Programs: Ayuda’s programs are designed to holistically address the needs of vulnerable immigrant families. Ayuda’s services can be accessed individually or together from any of Ayuda’s locations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Ayuda’s services are designed to serve individuals and entire family units. Immigration Legal Services - Lawful immigration status is the key that opens doors for immigrants to achieve financial security and stability. Many immigrants have viable pathways to lawful immigration status and U.S. citizenship, but lack the means of accessing legal representation to help them identify available immigration benefits, navigate the complex bureaucracy that controls access to immigration benefits, and present their case successfully. Through Ayuda’s extensive knowledge of immigration law, Ayuda’s attorneys assess for all forms of possible immigration relief, including U visas (for victims of crime), T visas (for victims of human trafficking), VAWA petitions, and more. Many of these forms of relief that Ayuda secures for our clients create a path towards work authorization, legal permanent residency, and citizenship. Ayuda has a more than 90% success rate in obtaining the immigration benefits that clients qualify for and that provide them the lawful status they need to succeed. Domestic Violence/Family Law Legal Services - Ayuda offers holistic legal services in a culturally sensitive environment to low-income immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. Immigrant victims are especially fearful of reporting their victimization. Ayuda’s attorneys provide direct representation, education about legal rights, and advocacy so immigrant survivors can navigate their options, obtain protective orders, and secure custody of their children. Through Ayuda’s services, survivors can rebuild their lives and raise their children in loving, safe homes. Unaccompanied Children Program (UCP) - This is a crucial resource for immigrant children, providing legal and social services to help them navigate the immigration system and access necessary resources. Ayuda is part of a network of organizations that provides direct legal representation, legal orientations, and social services to children in ORR custody who came to this country alone. We have a team of dedicated, compassionate legal professionals who ensure children have the information and assistance they need to seek and obtain legal pathways to safety and stability. Pro Bono Program - To meet the increased need for immigration legal services, Ayuda has a robust program pro bono program. Ayuda’s pro bono program leverage the power and resources of volunteer attorneys, willing to give their time and counsel to immigrant neighbors in need of services now more than ever, along with the expertise and commitment of Ayuda’s expert immigration attorneys and staff who serve as mentors to the volunteers and manage the clinics. Project END - Project End aims to remedy the harm caused by notario or immigration consultant fraud. Unscrupulous notarios routinely prey on immigrants who, because of linguistic, cultural, and financial obstacles, believe a notario or consultant can assist them with their legal issues. The fraudulent work of notarios can have life-devastating consequences on victims, including financial ruin, damage to a legal case, deportation, and permanent family separation. Project END provides advice, counsel, and representation to dozens of victims in civil, criminal, and immigration proceedings. Social Services - Ayuda provides culturally-specific social services for immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking, as well as neglected children and youth. Designed to holistically address short-term and long-term needs, Ayuda’s multidisciplinary social services team empowers survivors and their families to achieve their unique goals. Ayuda provides safety planning, crisis intervention, case management, emotional support, trauma-informed individual therapy and mental health services, and support groups so survivors can achieve safety and self-sufficiency. Ayuda advocates for and connects clients to vital services such as emergency and transitional shelter, food, clothing, or medical care. Clients can also receive emergency financial assistance, baby supplies through our partnership with the Greater DC Diaper Bank, and food for families who are facing food insecurity. Language Access Services - Ayuda ensures that all of our neighbors can get assistance when they need it, regardless of the languages they use to communicate. Immigrants and deaf individuals can experience confusion and profound isolation due to language barriers. Without adequate communication, basic services are beyond reach. Ayuda provides free in- person interpretation, telephonic interpretation, and document translations for thousands of limited English proficient or deaf clients who need support to communicate with a public interest lawyer or a victim services provider. Staff also train interpreters, lawyers, and advocates on effective interpretation and translation services. Advocacy - Ayuda works with local and state policymakers to address systemic inequities that impact low-income immigrants. In addition to supporting federal advocacy through coalition participation, Ayuda is proud to collaborate with partners to advocate across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and their localities. Together, we're working to advance policies that give immigrants the welcome they deserve. Client Story Litzy, an immigrant from Mexico City, first encountered Ayuda at age 17. She’d recently found the courage to reveal her abuser to her mother, and had been referred for therapy. At first, Litzy felt hopeful that she’d finally be free. Unfortunately, her mother was ready to forgive Litzy’s abuser and re-welcome him into their lives. Litzy continued going to therapy twice a week, and later connected with an Ayuda case manager, Ana. Together, they began yoga sessions and other extracurriculars to help her heal. Working with Ana, Litzy’s mantra became, “the only limit will be the sky,” a reminder that she has the power to fight for herself and her goals. Shortly after turning 18, Litzy fled her mother’s home and found housing with one of Ayuda’s partners. The situation was overwhelming, but Litzy knew that with Ana, she was never alone. Even after her therapy concluded, Litzy saw Ayuda as her second home. Ana had become like family. Today, Litzy co-owns a growing marketing company and is proud to be a dog mom. She’s also passionate about helping survivors and women who may be struggling with depression. Now a former Ayuda client, Litzy still calls Ana to celebrate every win. To view our full 2024 Impact Report, please visit our website at www.ayuda.com/annual-reports-financial-statement.