If you were a refugee, who would fight for you?


Imani came to CLS as a refugee from Sudan. During Sudan's civil war, soldiers invaded and destroyed her village, driving everyone out. Imani was caught by the soldiers, who assaulted her, causing multiple serious injuries. In the attack, Imani and her husband were separated and to this day she does not know where he is, or if he is still alive.
 
This terrifying experience caused Imani to suffer from severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
 
Eventually, Imani was admitted to the United States as a refugee, but her serious injuries and PTSD left her unable to work.  With help from immigrant aid organizations, she applied for Social Security benefits based on disability (SSI), but her application was denied and her Medicaid coverage was erroneously turned off, leaving her without the mental health services she desperately needed.
 
Your gift to CLS makes life-changing advocacy possible.

When Imani came to Community Legal Services (CLS), CLS paralegal Gigi Nikpour and CLS attorney Richard Weishaupt sprang into action.  They got her Medicaid reinstated, so she could get the care she needed. Richard represented Imani in her SSI case, which was challenging since the prior loss of Medicaid benefits meant she lacked medical records to prove that she was unable to work.
 
Because of Richard's expertise in representing trauma survivors, he was able win her case and obtain benefits that allow her to live securely and begin the healing process. Imani is now in stable housing, receiving medical care, and doing much better.
 
With your support, CLS provides vital legal representation to people with nowhere else to turn, including refugees, asylees, and other immigrants. Because of you, we are able to help people who have fled violence get on the path to stability and independence.

Please help us continue this important work by making a gift today.

Community Legal Services | (215) 981-3700 | www.clsphila.org