Help us reach our goal by July 4th HERE!
2020 is proving to be an interesting year so far. Challenges are piling up on all of us, the world is hurting, burning and bleeding in more than one way. Leadership is not always there to show us the way. We make mistakes, we stumble, and we try to get back up. We all have stories and tales of struggles during these difficult times. From friends in Australia being stranded because of wildfires, colleagues worldwide suffering from COVID-19, to our black brothers and sisters fighting yet again to be heard, friends being laid off from their jobs, and others losing their visas or work permits… The list is long, and it is not a pretty one.
In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there are certain things that we hold certain, things that keep us grounded. Family, friends, a home. Home has been a very important idea lately, be it because we must “stay at home” or because we unexpectedly find ourselves far away from it.
The BeatBabel team working from home.
For some, home is not necessarily a safe place; others are being forced to leave theirs. As the team discussed the different ways that we could help with what is happening around us, we couldn’t help but return to the idea of home. For all of us at BeatBabel, home is not one place, but perhaps two, or three… We are fortunate to have a home, and a home away from home, to feel safe in it, and to have been able to choose where we wanted to settle. It isn’t always easy, and these unprecedented times remind us of that.
With Juneteenth, Refugee Day and a couple of important Supreme Court decisions for the LGBTQ community and DACA children, we are reminded of those who are in more vulnerable circumstances than us, of the victims who have paved the way for social change, of the many injustices that continue to go by unchecked. This month, we have decided to spotlight the wonderful work of a local law firm who, among other things, advocates for others’ right to a home.
Casa Cornelia volunteer attorney helping applicants.
(photo provided by Casa Cornelia)
Casa Cornelia Law Center is dedicated to providing pro-bono legal services to our most vulnerable communities. Their primary commitment is to indigent persons within the immigrant community in Southern California. They seek to educate others regarding the impact of immigration law and policy on the community. For over 25 years, more than 15,000 people have found in Casa Cornelia life-changing legal assistance and humanitarian protection. Their work is supported by a significant network of volunteer attorneys, interpreters, translators, law students, and community members.
Casa Cornelia’s impact. (photo provided by Casa Cornelia)
Casa Cornelia’s Executive Director Carmen Chávez is a longtime friend of BeatBabel’s leadership team. COO Marie Flacassier comments: “One of the wonderful people who have crossed my path since moving to San Diego is Carmen Chavez. She is humble and discreet, yet when she speaks, you listen. There is something about her …. I don’t see Carmen often enough but when our paths cross, I always feel that she is a true inspiration, a real leader who works hard behind the scenes, a woman with a big heart. She is one of our local San Diego heroes and somebody I truly look up to. And for world Refugee day, for Pride month, for Black lives matter, I would like to share more than a pretty photo on Instagram and tell you about my friend Carmen and her mission for the last 25 years with Casa Cornelia in San Diego”.
With an office filled with different personalities and cultures, we understand that many nations are not as lucky as us. To show BeatBabel’s support for immigrants, refugees, black lives and all people who are suffering from injustice worldwide, our wonderful team started a fundraiser with San Diego-based Casa Cornelia, to help them raise money for their mission by July 4th. We will be matching donations up to $800.
Click the link below to help us donate to this good cause!
https://casacornelia.networkforgood.com/projects/103335-every-action-counts-beat-babel
To learn more about Casa Cornelia, please visit casacornelia.org.