The Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center is sponsoring a free legal clinic every Wednesday from noon until 7 p.m. at the Ford Resource and Engagement Center, 2826 Bagley in Detroit.
"Many newcomers to Detroit face critical needs for legal services and they don't know where to turn," reports attorney Kevin Piecuch, executive director of the Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center. "And their needs extend far beyond immigration matters."
Since opening earlier this year, the clinic has been flooded with clients whose needs include: filing applications for asylum, negotiating with landlords, petitioning for insurance benefits and even seeking advice on traffic violations.
"People from underserved communities often feel intimidated by authority figures. And, when there's a language barrier, it only makes matters worse," says Piecuch. "We're grateful to Ford for providing a fantastic space for us to meet clients where they feel safe, comfortable and welcome."
Currently staffed by Piecuch and a small group of law students, the Immigrant Center wants to expand its program and is looking for help from others in the community. This help includes volunteers, donations, and publicity. "We meet desperate people every day," says Piecuch. "Fortunately Detroit is full of compassionate people looking for ways to help."
The Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. For more information about its program and services, visit: www.detimmigrantcenter.com. The Ford Resource and Engagement Center is a client-directed community center where people learn new skills, obtain needed services, develop new talents and celebrate community. Made possible by grants from Ford Motor Company Fund, The Ford Resource and Engagement Center brings together non-profit partners to serve the surrounding community
Published: Thu, Jul 02, 2015
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