Flexibility is a hallmark of the Clinic and my role has evolved as Clinic needs have changed. Because of this, two years ago, I began serving as the Community Partnerships Manager. This role primarily focused on the Clinic’s robust relationships with organizations all over the state of Indiana, and particularly here in Indianapolis. But, a few months ago, I also took over the duties of volunteer coordinator. Now, I build and maintain relationships with both community partners and individual volunteers. And both of these groups are absolutely essential to the Clinic’s work.

Though the intricacies of the immigration system are vast, one basic statement remains true: There is nowhere for the average immigrant to get in line and simply receive their papers. That is not an option. For our clients who have suffered abuse and violence, that is still not an option.  

Immigration has become the signature political issue of the last few years. So often, you hear people calling for reforms of the system, but we cannot possibly know where we should go without understanding where we have been.

Would it surprise you to learn that Indianapolis experiences 11,082 evictions every year, second only to New York City, a city of 8.5 million people? Every day in this city, 31.7 families are faced with the severe economic and emotional hardship that comes with an eviction.

What I love most about my work here at the Clinic are the sweet and precious moments—God moments—that I get to experience with my clients during the journey of a tax case. Just last week, I had two of these experiences.

Refugee. What a loaded word these days. As we celebrate “World Refugee Day” on June 20th, it feels appropriate to unpack that word a little. So let’s start with the basics: What is a refugee?