Stories of Hope: YWCA of Greater Lawrence

Maria's Story from YWCA of Greater Lawrence.

“Maria,” age 28, and the mother of three, was an undocumented immigrant who came to Lawrence from Guatemala and was being physically abused by her partner. Because she feared deportation, she was reluctant to report the abuse. Through word of mouth, Maria learned about the YWCA of Greater Lawrence and its bilingual Court Advocates. A YWCA Advocate, one of two working full-time in offices in the building that houses the Lawrence District Court, helped Maria to obtain a U Visa, for undocumented aliens experiencing domestic abuse. Knowing she would not be deported gave Maria the courage to obtain a restraining order and file charges against her abuser. Her partner is now in jail. Maria is working – legally, obtained permanent housing and is working toward obtaining permanent residency status. She and her children no longer live in fear.

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"I spoke out to put a face to the issue for the millions of women, men and children who suffer in silence and to say that you are not alone. Help is available." ~ Ayanna Pressley, Boston City Councilor (Photo by Christopher Mason)

JDI's Internship Program: Creates Opportunities, Fosters Activism

Each semester JDI is fortunate to have tremendous interns from colleges and graduate schools at the Coalition. These interns contribute so much on a range of projects, research and activities. Our goal is for each to leave with increased skills and experience and a deeper understanding of and commitment to the social justice issues at the core of our work.

Introducing the Summer 2012 Interns

What a crew! This summer's interns come from Boston College School of Law, University of Connecticut, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Connecticut College and Simmons College. They are working on projects including men's engagment, domestic violence homicide prevention, public policy advocacy, and communications.

We've asked the interns to tell us a bit about their experience here at JDI. We'll be adding their reflections here over the course of the summer.

First up is Alex Collins, a rising senior at the University of Connecticut.
Next we hear from Tanaha Simon, a rising senior at Connecticut College.
Please meet Lauren Wolfinger from Boston College Law School.
We're pleased to introduce Katherine Valera, a rising senior at University of Massachusetts.
Rounding out the team is Ren Kenney, a rising junior at Simmons College.

How to become an intern

If you or someone you know is interested in an internship at JDI, check out the opportunities.

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