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Notario Fraud Remedies: A Practical Manual for Immigration Practitioners
May 31, 2013Ayuda is very pleased to announce the publication of "Notario Fraud Remedies: A Practical Manual for Immigration Practitioners." Along with the publication of this resource for immigration practitioners, it is also our great pleasure to introduce Ayuda's Project END (Eradicating Notario Deceit).
Washington, DC-area immigrant rights organization Ayuda Celebrates 40th Anniversary at Carnegie Library
May 1, 2013On Thursday, May 16, 2013, Ayuda's Board of Directors and staff are pleased to announce a celebration in honor of Ayuda's 40th year of helping immigrants thrive in the DC metropolitan area. In addition, Ayuda will honor its 4-decade history by announcing its first inductees to the Ayuda Hall of Fame.
Ayuda Salutes Congressional Efforts to Enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform
April 17, 2013Ayuda commends the Senate's bipartisan filing of the "Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013," a measure that aims to reform our broken immigration system.
Ayuda Marches in Rally for Immigration Reform
April 9, 2013Ayuda will be joining Casa de Maryland, Carecen, SEIU and Citizenship Now for a rally on the National Mall in support of immigration reform!
Our Virginia Office is Moving!
March 21, 2013After 5 years of operation, Ayuda will close down our office in Sterling, Virginia on March 22, 2013. We will reopen at our new offices on April 1, 2013 in Falls Church, Virginia. Check us out at 2755 Hartland Road, Suite 100, Falls Church, VA 22043.
AYUDA WILL BE CLOSED WEDNESDAY MARCH 6
March 6, 2013AYUDA WILL BE CLOSED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6th DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER (If you have business with Ayuda on Thursday, March 7th, please call 202-387-4848 to confirm we will be open that day.)
40th Anniversary Logo Entries
February 25, 2013Our 40th Anniversary Logo Contest generated many great submissions. Click through to see them all.
Protect and Serve: Justice for Notario Fraud Victims
February 15, 2013Georgetown University Law Center's Community Justice Project developed a report with the help of Ayuda on Access to Justice for Victims of Notario Fraud. Click to read more.
We Did It! Thank You!
January 24, 2013Thank You Supporters and Donors Your generosity allowed us to surpass our goal by 50%! We have one thing to say to our supporters and donors. THANKS!
40th Anniversary Logo Contest
January 7, 2013Are you an artist or a graphic designer? We need your help to give our logo a 40th Anniversary make over! Click to find out how to enter your design.
Can we hit $40,000 by our 40th Anniversary?
December 21, 2012We're getting closer! We are 2/3 of the way to our goal of $40,000 raised before our 40th year of service begins on January 1st. Do you want to help push us over the top? Read more and see what your money could do.
Ayuda Re-energizes Deferred Action Workshops
November 9, 2012Many people have been waiting until after the results of this week's election were in before applying for Deferred Action. Now Ayuda, is ready to help guide young people through the process of seeing if they can apply for DACA. If you have questions please come to one of our Q&A workshops on Tuesday evenings.
Join the 40 for 40 Committee!
November 1, 2012We are entering our 40th Year of helping immigrants thrive in the DC metropolitan area and we need your help to make it the best year Ayuda's ever seen. We're looking for 40 exceptional volunteers to carry us into our next four decades. The 40 for 40 Committee will spearhead our planning and coordination for the anniversary events in 2013. Join the 40 for 40 Committee and be a huge part of the great things we have coming!
AYUDA WILL BE CLOSED AGAIN TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30th
October 29, 2012AYUDA WILL BE CLOSED AGAIN TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30th DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER (If you have business with Ayuda on Wednesday, October 31th, please call 202-387-4848 to confirm we will be open that day.)
Ayuda Closed Monday, October 29
October 28, 2012AYUDA WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, OCTOBER 29th DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER (If you have business with Ayuda on Tuesday, October 30th, please call 202-387-4848 to confirm we will be open that day.)
AYUDA ESTARÁ CERRADA EL LUNES, 29 DE OCTUBRE POR INCLEMENCIAS DEL TIEMPO (Si usted tiene una cita programada con nuestra oficina el martes, 30 de Octubre, favor de llamar al 202-387-4848 para confirmar.)
AYUDA SERA FERMÉ LE LUNDI, LE 29 OCTOBRE DÛ AU TEMPS INCLEMENT (Si vous avez un rencontre avec notre bureau le mardi, 30 Octobre, Appelez-nous SVP pour confirmer au 202-387-4848.)
We're Looking for a Few Good Sponsors
September 5, 2012Ayuda's first Fiesta for the Future! is fast approaching. Do you want to be considered Fiesta for the Future! partner? Then become a sponsor. Each sponsor gets some VIP benefits that go far beyond a good time at this great October 9th event. (Click to learn more)
Fiesta for the Future!: A Party to Remember
August 28, 2012Ayuda invites you to celebrate the future for thousands of immigrant youth in the DC metropolitan area. Ayuda's 'Fiesta for the Future!' will officially launch our 2013 campaign to celebrate our 40th Anniversary and our work on behalf of young immigrants building their own American dreams. Please join us in celebrating the future successes of our immigrant sisters and brothers! (Click to read more)
Ayuda Hosts Deferred Action Q&A Workshops
August 14, 2012Ayuda will be hosting two question and answer sessions a day every evening next week. Participants can: 1) Get an overview of the policy. 2)Find out from a legal professional if you potentially qualify. 3) Learn if you have other legal options. 4) Learn what documents you need to build a strong application. 1) Reciba informacion general sobre la politica. 2) Tendra un profesional legal que le dira si potencialmente califica. 3) Conozca si tiene otras opciones legales. 4) Conozca que documentos necesitara para tener una solida solicitud. Click through to read more.
Ayuda Applauds the Obama Administration's Policy on Deferred Action for Young People
July 2, 2012Ayuda applauds the Obama administration's June 15 announcement of Deferred Action for Young People and looks forward to assisting the greater DC metropolitan area community in understanding which young immigrant may qualify for this benefit and assisting them in obtaining it. Read on for more information...
Ayuda aplaude el anuncio del 15 de junio de la administración de Obama de “Acción Diferida para Jóvenes” y espera asistir a la comunidad del área metropolitana de Washington, DC en entender cuales inmigrantes jóvenes calificarán por este beneficio y ayudándoles en obtenerlo. Continua para más información . . .
Informative Training on the Obama Administration's New Policy on Deferred Action for Young People
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (registration begins at 11:45 am)
Location: First Christian Church, 6165 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church VA 22044
Informational training session on the Obama Administration's new Deferred Action policy that may benefit thousands of young immigrants in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. For registration, please click here.
For more information, contact Edgar Aranda at edgar@justice4all.org or call at 703-772-1555. This event is free of charge.
Organized by: Hogar Immigrant Services - Catholic Charities, Legal Aid Justice Center - Immigrant Advocacy Program , Ayuda, Just Neighbors: Immigration Legal Services, Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (HACAN/STAR) and the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO)
Thank you to all those who joined us as we celebrated our 39th year!
May 7, 2012Thanks to everyone who came to support Ayuda's 39th Annual Awards Reception April 26th, at the National Press Club. Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, we were able to raise over $90,000 in support of our vital and holistic legal and social services! Thank you!
The special evening featured a live Brazilian Jazz performance by Emy Tseng as well as cocktails and hors d'ouvres. Ayuda's Board Members, staff and friends gathered to recognize our truly wonderful accomplishments over the past year...
There is Still Time to Purchase Your Tickets to Ayuda's 39th Annual Awards Reception!
April 18, 2012Don't miss out on the festivities! Next Thursday, April 26th, Ayuda will celebrate at the National Press Club, 39 years of providing life saving legal and social services to low-income immigrants throughout the DC metropolitan region. Join Ayuda's Board, staff and friends as we celebrate 39 years of successes and as we recognize those special individuals who have gone above and beyond this past year...
Save the Date to Celebrate with Ayuda!
February 22, 2012On April 26th, Ayuda will celebrate our 39th year of bringing justice and opportunity to low-income immigrants across the DC metropolitan region. Since 1973, we have grown to become the area's leading provider of high-quality, multi-lingual legal and social services for low-income immigrants. Over the past 39 years, our staff has helped tens of thousands of immigrants navigate our legal system, access justice and obtain the resources necessary to build better, more secure lives for themselves and their families...
Introducing and Thanking New Online Partners that Give You New and Creative Opportunities to Promote and Support Ayuda!
January 23, 2012Over the past several months, Ayuda has been developing new partnerships with various online businesses and websites in order to continue promoting our life-transforming work. One of our new online partners is the website Philanthroper.com. Through this unique website, hundreds of people learned of our work for the first time and made very meaningful contributions. Many thanks go to Philanthroper and to everyone who contributed through this site! Ayuda is also now a member of Recoup.com. This site allows you to both save money by offering great deals on restaurants and other services and support our efforts! Upon joining Recoup.com through this link...
Welcome to visitors from Philanthroper.com!
January 4, 2012Thanks to all of you who have supported Ayuda on Philanthroper.com since last January 2! Your donations and support will truly make a difference in the lives of deserving individuals, families and children who daily come to Ayuda seeking help. The people you have enabled us to assist are some of the most vulnerable people in the region: individuals and families who have been exploited, abused and trafficked; abandoned and neglected children; people who have no support networks in our country and live in fear of being deported.
Since Ayuda began in 1973, we have reunited hundreds of families, helped neglected children grow strong, assisted battered spouses escape violence, helped trafficking survivors ensure justice is served and provide the resources to help them move past their experiences. Your investment in our work will give hope to our clients seeking justice, freedom and the opportunity to call the US their home.
We welcome you to look through our website, read some of our clients' stories, learn about our programs and activities in which Ayuda participates. If you would like us to keep you updated on the most recent happenings at Ayuda, please join our electronic mailing list! We will also keep you posted on the events Ayuda will be participating in and hosting and provide you information about how you can continue to be involved in our work!
We Welcome Everyone To Come By and Take Look at Our New Office!
December 11, 2011From last November 15th to November 21st Ayuda hosted three Open Houses for our wonderful community partners, former clients, staff and former staff, Board Members and supporters. During these lively Open Houses Ayuda introduced our new Executive Director, Jaime Farrant and gave tours of our new office at 6925B Willow Street NW Washington, DC where Ayuda's staff works hard to address the critical immigration and social services needs of our clients.
Last November 19th Ayuda's Open House was specifically for local businesses in Ward 4, former and current staff, present and past Board Members and former clients. During this eventful Saturday afternoon we enjoyed home made food brought by all who joined and lively chatter about Ayuda's future and growth.
Ayuda also pleased to welcome Mario Acosta from the Verizon Foundation who presented Ayuda with a $10,000 check for Ayuda's Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program...
Give to the Max TODAY!
November 9, 2011As you may know by now, local DC, Maryland and Virginia nonprofits are uniting today to improve our communities through The Greater Washington Give to the Max Day! This is a one day fundraiser special event that helps all organizations participating - including Ayuda - to help raise the funds they need to provide their services.
Join Ayuda today in the Walk to Stop Modern Slavery Saturday October 22!
October 19, 2011Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These fundamental rights enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, have inspired countless Americans and millions of persons around the world to view the United States as a land of opportunity, where they can come and pursue their hopes and dreams for them and their loved ones.
Unfortunately, many see these dreams dashed upon arrival, when they find themselves in situations where they are forced, deceived, threatened, or beaten into labor or sexual exploitation. These forms of abuse, commonly known as human trafficking, are known as the 21st century's form of slavery. National Geographic estimates that over 27 million people around the world suffer from this horrible crime.Ayuda has faced this problem head-on. We have worked with hundreds of men, women, and children who have become enslaved in the US. Our legal and social services teams work with survivors of these crimes in order to ensure they can lead safe and free lives.
Ayuda's Community Legal Interpreter Bank Seeks New Program Coordinator
October 11, 2011We are seeking a full-time Program Coordinator to assist with the administration and expansion of our Community Legal Interpreter Bank. This unique, groundbreaking initiative provides trained, professional interpreters to legal service providers throughout the District of Columbia...
Ayuda Has a New Executive Director!
September 1, 2011Ayuda is delighted to announce that on September 19th, Jaime Farrant will join Ayuda as our new Executive Director! Jaime has over 10 years of experience in program design and organizational management, as well as international advocacy and direct legal services experience in the fields of human trafficking, sexual assault and immigration...
Ayuda has found a New Home!
August 25, 2011After 38 years of residing in Adams Morgan, Ayuda has found a new home in Takoma, DC! The new office is larger than space on Kalorama and has a street entrance. The new office in Takoma is only a block away from Metro's Takoma Park Station (red line) making it even more accessible by public transportation! Ayuda opened our doors to our new Takoma DC home on August 17th!
Ayuda Board of Directors seeks New Board Candidates!
August 22, 2011Ayuda is seeking candidates who are interested in serving on Ayuda's Board of Directors. Ayuda's Board is very active, and considered to be a 'working' Board, therefore, this would be a fulfilling and serious commitment. Our Board Members play a vital and direct role in the development and implementation of Ayuda's mission...
What a Great Night at Ayuda's 38th Annual Awards Gala!
July 1, 2011Thursday, June 9th 2011 Ayuda supporters and friends gathered to celebrate 38 years of protecting the rights of low-income immigrants of the DC metro area at Ayuda's 38th Annual Awards Gala at the National Press Club. The special evening featured a live Brazilian Jazz performance by Emy Tseng as well as cocktails and hors d'ouvres. Ayuda's Board Members, staff and friends gathered to recognize Ayuda's truly wonderful accomplishments over the past years...
Social Worker
March 21, 2011Ayuda is the DC area's leading source of multilingual legal and social service assistance to low-income immigrants in the areas of immigration, human trafficking, domestic violence, family law, and services to unaccompanied immigrant children. Ayuda is seeking a Social Worker to join Ayuda's Social Services Department to provide comprehensive social services to immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
V-Day Event Saturday March 19th!
March 15, 2011V-Day is a day to raise awareness and stop violence against women and girls around the world. Utilizing creativity through events such as performances of The Vagina Monologues we are able to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing antiviolence organizations.? This year, Kate Farrington has volunteered to organize 2 performances of The Vagina Monologues to benefit Ayuda!
Come out and see the Vagina Monologues while supporting the women of Haiti and Ayuda on Saturday March 19th in Mount Pleasant. There will be two performances at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm. You can purchase your tickets here!?
Ayuda appoints Jean Bruggeman, Esq. Interim Executive Director
December 17, 2010The Board of Directors of Ayuda is pleased to announce that on December 6, 2010, Jean Bruggeman, Esq., took up the post of Interim Executive Director of Ayuda. She took over from Rocio Watson, the organization’s Executive Director, who recently resigned. While Rocio remains committed to Ayuda’s mission, her priorities will be focused on raising her new family. Ayuda’s staff and Board of Directors wish Rocio and her family the best.
Jean has ten years of experience developing and directing legal and social services programs for immigrants. For the past three years, Jean has ably served as Director of Ayuda’s Community Legal Interpreter Bank, and she also served as an attorney at Ayuda in her first two years after law school, representing domestic violence clients in their immigration cases. Jean holds a BA from Bryn Mawr College and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center. She is licensed in the state of Maryland and in the District.
Upcoming Event: Special Screening of "Amy's Story"
November 2, 2010You are invited to join Ayuda and the Verizon Foundation for a viewing of "Amy's Story". This powerful documentary is about a former employee of Verizon and victim of domestic violence whose life was ultimately taken away by her abuser. The evening will feature...
Getting Ready for the Holidays
November 2, 2010When most of us think about the holidays, we look forward to warm and cozy times shared with family and friends, decorating the tree, and watching the snowflakes gather on the ground. Experiencing beautiful times and wonderfully shared moments.
But not so for those who are less fortunate as the holidays can be a particularly difficult time of year. It is especially hard on those who are homeless, facing uncertainty and struggling just to survive.
Get Involved & Celebrate!
November 2, 2010As we enter this season of celebration, why not use your special event, party or happy hour to help Ayuda achieve its mission to protect the rights of immigrants? Hosting a party is an easy way to help raise much needed funds and a creative way for you and your friends to contribute to Ayuda's work...
Ayuda Helps Defeat "Secure Communities" in DC
August 13, 2010In July, immigrants' advocacy and service groups won a victory when the D.C. Police Department (DCPD) decided to withdraw their agreement with the federal government to implement Secure Communities. When a local or state jurisdiction implements Secure Communities, the fingerprints of all immigrants who are arrested (not convicted) for certain crimes are automatically sent to the immigration authorities.
Ayuda generally opposed Secure Communities, focusing its efforts particularly on the potential impact for domestic violence (DV) survivors. DV survivors are often arrested at the same time as their abusers, and this initiative would make them even less willing than usual to contact the police. Ayuda was a leader around the DV issue, submitted written testimony to the D.C. Council, and also read testimony from one of our DV clients. Here is an excerpt...
Stellar New Members Join Ayuda Board
August 12, 2010Over the past two months we've been lucky enough to recruit 3 top-notch new Board Members. They come to Ayuda with diverse skill sets, all of which are highly in demand on our Board. Hopefully you'll have a chance to meet them in the coming months. All are passionate about Ayuda's work, and very excited to be joining our team! New Board Members are...
Ayuda Offers Relief to Salvadoran Immigrants Seeking Temporary Protected Status
July 23, 2010For one of the largest immigrant populations in the District, life in the US is in a state of constant limbo. Many Salvadorans are in what is perhaps the most precarious immigration status of all: Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
From Monday, July 26th to Friday, August 6th Ayuda will be conducting special walk-in hours for TPS renewals from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm for a fee of $60.These extended office hours are exclusively open to Salvadorans who are re-registering for benefits under the current TPS extension.
Ayuda Featured on WUSA Channel 9
May 18, 2010Ayuda was honored to recently be featured on WUSA Channel 9?s ?Friday?s Heroes.?? During the interview, weeknight anchor Derek McGinty announced a surprise $10,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation to support Ayuda?s critical work with low-income immigrants across the DC region.
We are deeply grateful to the Gannett Foundation for their support and to WUSA Channel 9 for the opportunity to share our mission and work with the community.
Taking a Stand Against "Secure Communities"
May 4, 2010Today DC Councilmembers Mendelson and Graham introduced legislation to prevent the discriminatory, anti-immigrant initiative Secure Communities from being implemented in DC. All 13 Councilmembers co-sponsored the bill.
Act NOW to Protect Critical Services for Immigrants
May 3, 2010DC Mayor Adrian Fenty has proposed balancing the 2011 fiscal year budget through a series of severe funding cuts that will destroy critical legal and social services, including those provided by Ayuda. What you can do:
1. Contact your Councilmember and urge them to:A. Protect DC's Office of Latino Affairs (OLA).
B. Protect DC's Access to Justice (A2J) funds.
2. Sign onto the Fair Budget Coalition's letter demanding better protections for the poor.
Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Citizens
January 22, 2010Ayuda is encouraging Haitian citizens who are unable to return to their country due to the recent earthquake to come to our walk-in consultation hours. Ayuda will prepare and file Temporary Protected Status applications...
Making the Holidays Bright for Families
January 14, 2010Ayuda would like to extend our deepest appreciation to DCI Group and the Inter-American Development Bank for making the holidays brighter for our clients and their families this year. Thanks to their generous support, Ayuda staff was thrilled to be able to provide gifts for over 70 of our clients? children...
Rationing Justice Report Released
December 16, 2009A new report has just been released documenting the effects of the recession on access to legal services for low-income residents of DC. The report reveals alarming new facts about the extent to which the recession has limited access to justice for many of the city?s residents. Highlights from the report include...
Ayuda to Expand Domestic Violence Work
December 1, 2009Ayuda is thrilled to announce that a new two-year grant from the Department of Justice will help us address the needs of immigrant survivors of domestic violence in Northern Virginia for the first time. We will be able to reach hundreds of additional victims, providing them with the resources and support they need to establish secure, violence-free lives. In the past, Ayuda has only been able to provide comprehensive domestic violence and sexual assault services at our DC office. Yet, roughly 15% of the clients referred to our Sterling, VA office come directly from a battered women's shelter....