For Immediate Release: July 17, 2025
Kelly Lynn, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, 980.202.7320, kelly.lynn@charlottelegaladvocacy.org
CHARLOTTE CENTER FOR LEGAL ADVOCACY TO EXPAND SERVICES WITH ADDITION OF EDUCATION LAW PROGRAM; TRANSITION FROM COUNCIL FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS TO BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 2025
Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (Advocacy Center), a nonprofit civil legal services organization committed to pursuing justice for those in need, will expand its services this fall by integrating the Education Law Program (ELP), formerly housed at the Council for Children’s Rights (CFCR).
The transition marks a significant milestone for both organizations and ensures the continued delivery of high-quality legal services to students and families in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. Beginning by September 2025, the Education Law Program will become a permanent part of the Advocacy Center’s portfolio of services. The transition includes four experienced attorneys who currently lead the program and will continue their work with the Advocacy Center.
The Education Law Program provides legal representation for students and their families in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties, focusing on special education, Section 504 and disciplinary issues. It offers education navigation for court-involved youth in the foster care or juvenile justice systems, helping families and professionals support educational rights. Through free community trainings, it builds the capacity of parent groups and partners to advocate effectively. Recognizing limited resources, the team amplifies its impact through systemic advocacy targeting broader educational barriers. A key priority is improving outcomes for youth in foster care across North Carolina. Overall, this multi-tiered approach blends individual support with strategic outreach to create lasting educational change.
CFCR Interim Executive Director Karen Parker expresses, “Our staff and board of directors are thrilled that the Advocacy Center will become the new home for the Education Law Program, providing the perfect environment for this initiative to grow and thrive. We offer deepest thanks to all of the volunteers and staff who served the children of our community through the Council for Children’s Rights over the years. We look forward to seeing all that will be accomplished in this next exciting phase!”
Earlier this year, CFCR discontinued its Custody Advocacy Program and Children’s Defense Team. Following the transition of the Education Law Program this fall, the organization will formally conclude its operations after more than four decades of service to the Charlotte community.
“We are honored to carry forward the vital mission of the Education Law Program,” said Larissa Mañón Mervin, CEO of Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. “The Council for Children’s Rights has built an incredible legacy of advocacy for youth, and we are proud to build on that foundation. The decision by both of our Boards to transition the program to the Advocacy Center reflects our shared commitment to strengthening and sustaining this critical work.”
The Advocacy Center’s Board of Trustees expressed strong support for the transition. “We enthusiastically welcome the Education Law Program and the experienced team leading it,” said Matt Robertson, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. “This addition aligns with our mission by strengthening our ability to remove barriers to opportunity for children and families. We are confident this integration will ensure that more young people in our community can access the education they deserve and are happy that CFCR’s vital educational advocacy can continue.”
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy remains committed to upholding the rights of vulnerable populations, including children, and will ensure that the Education Law Program continues to serve families with the care, excellence and impact it has always delivered.
About Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy can provide those in need with information, advice and advocacy in consumer protection, home preservation, health care access and public benefits, immigration, tax assistance and more. Our mission is to pursue justice for those in need. Our vision is to build a just community, where all people are treated fairly and have access to legal representation to meet their basic human needs of safety, economic security and stability. Learn more at charlottelegaladvocacy.org.
