Category: Client Story

Advocacy Center Community Empowerment Project Helps Nicole Clear Her Past To Build Her Future

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When Nicole’s grandfather told her about the Charlotte Expunction Clinic at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, she didn’t know it would change her life. She had been carrying the weight of her past for more than a decade—over ten misdemeanor and felony charges that followed her everywhere, keeping her from opportunities she was working hard to earn.

At the Clinic, attorneys helped her file for expungement of the misdemeanors. A few months later, she received a letter in the mail: her record was cleared of them. The relief was overwhelming, but she wasn’t done yet.

With her misdemeanors off the books, Nicole then took her case to Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (Advocacy Center) to start the more difficult process of expunging her felony charges. That’s when she met Andrew Deschler, Managing Attorney of the Consumer Empowerment Project. He represented her and helped her navigate the legal complexities, and one by one, her past felony convictions in Mecklenburg County were cleared. Cabarrus and Gaston Counties were next, and she wasn’t giving up.

With her record no longer holding her back, Nicole’s life took a turn. Work became easier. She went back and finished high school, proudly graduating in May. The impact rippled through her family—she challenged her oldest son, who had yet to graduate, to a race to see who could graduate first. Although she won, they will walk across the stage together this June, a testament to perseverance and new beginnings.

For years, Nicole had been a Personal Care Assistant, limited by the charges that employers couldn’t see past. But now, she was free to pursue her passion. She earned her nursing degree as a Certified Nurse Assistant, and in March, she started a new position—one that reflects who she is today, not the mistakes she made over a decade ago.

“Some of us grow up, but the world won’t always let us,” Nicole says. “They only see our past mistakes. But thanks to the Advocacy Center, I can finally introduce people to the person I am now.”

With a clean background check and a new career path, Nicole is providing better for her family, proving that when given a second chance, people don’t just move forward—they thrive, inspiring others to do the same.

“Not only did I regain my child care assistance, but I also regained hope” : Advocacy Center Client Resolves Fraud Charges

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Tad sought legal assistance from the Public Benefits Unit regarding a fraud investigation related to the Department of Social Services’ Subsidized Child Care program. As a result of the investigation, she faced a criminal sanction, a $1,000 fine, and owed a child care balance of $57,000.

Advocacy Center Paralegal Meeka Clark and Tad worked together to compile an exhibit list demonstrating that Tad had accurately reported her household information, despite DSS findings against her. In the final hearing, the ruling was reversed, removing the sanction and fraud charges, ultimately reinstating her children’s enrollment in the program.

From Tad’s own words:

“My name is Tad, and I want to share a heartfelt story about a journey I never expected to take. Last year, I found myself in a tough spot with Mecklenburg County Services, who informed me that I owed them more than $57,000. Apparently, my children’s father’s address was still associated with mine in the North Carolina state system—even though he hadn’t lived there for years. It was a devastating surprise.

As a single mother of three, I was already struggling—especially after recently losing my job. On top of that, I received a bill from Child Care Resources demanding repayment for assistance I had received while my kids were in day care. They insisted I owed the money due to my ex’s address being linked to mine. I felt completely overwhelmed, caught in a whirlwind of confusion and stress.

That’s when I reached out to the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy—and I hit the jackpot! I was connected with a true angel, Meeka Clark, from the Family Support and Health Care Program (FSHCP). Speaking with her was a breath of fresh air. She treated me like family, guiding me through the legal maze with warmth and compassion. Instead of judging me, she walked beside me every step of the way.

For nine months, Meeka was my rock, helping me navigate complex hearings and overwhelming paperwork. We spent countless hours on the phone, brainstorming solutions to secure my children’s future and maintain my mental well-being. No matter how tough things got, she never let me feel alone.

When my first hearing arrived, things didn’t go as planned. The hearing officer sided with Mecklenburg County, and my heart sank. But Meeka refused to let me give up. She immediately helped me file an appeal, digging deep to uncover my ex’s last known address and guiding me through every step of the process. I was terrified of losing my home and my children, but she reassured me that we would find a way.

Thanks to her relentless support and advocacy, my appeal was successful! Not only did I regain my child care assistance, but I also regained hope. Even when I encountered additional hurdles with the child care system, Meeka stood by my side, ensuring I received the help I needed.

This experience showed me that there are still caring people out there. I can’t thank the legal advocacy team enough—especially Meeka—for saving my life, my home, and my children. I will forever advocate for these services and share my story with anyone in need.

Thank you for allowing me to share my journey and thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there when I needed it the most!”

“Life Is So Much Better Now”: Low-Income Tax Clinic Corrects Misattributed $20,000 Tax Bill

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Sarah, a single mom of twins and a hairdresser, regularly pays her taxes every year when suddenly, she received a tax notice that she owed an additional $20,000. She didn’t know what was going on because nothing about this situation made sense. After contacting the IRS, she was told that she was being taxed on a second 1099-K due to earnings from her second account on a point-of-sale app.

Now, as a hairdresser who rents a booth at a local salon, Sarah does accept payments through this point-of-sale app. The IRS continued to tell her that she owed money due to the second account, even though this app only allows one account for one person. After many calls and much digging, it was determined that her former partner (and father of her twins) had changed his company’s app account and associated it with Sarah’s account through her social security number after they separated. Unbeknownst to her, she was expected to pay the taxes on his earnings without knowing how or when he did this.

Once figuring out what happened, it was a matter for the Advocacy Center’s low-income tax clinic to get it resolved. They had to file past earnings records, bank statements, tax forms, etc., along with getting a signed affidavit from her former partner. After over a year, we were able to prove to the court that the earnings were actually not Sarah’s and that she did not owe the additional $20,000 in taxes.

“It took a lot of pressure off of me and gave me peace of mind. While I knew it would be corrected in the end, I appreciated Soreé Finley (Advocacy Center Program Director) for her availability, her assurance and her responsiveness.

Life is much better now.”

A Family’s Journey to Safety: How Legal Advocacy Changed Their Lives

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In the heart of Honduras, a father’s dream of running a barbershop to support his family turned into a nightmare. Gangs demanded extortion fees, threatening his livelihood and his life. In August 2021, with no protection from the government and the escalating death threats related to his inability to pay, he made the impossible decision: flee with his wife and two sons to the United States.

Turned Away, but Not Defeated

In October 2021, the family presented themselves at the U.S. border, seeking asylum. Instead of finding refuge, they were turned away under Title 42 and forced to return to Honduras. With no other options, they reopened their barbershop to survive, but the threats resumed. Gang members demanded free haircuts and extortion payments the family could barely afford. By late 2022, the father knew staying meant death. He fled to the U.S. alone, hoping it would shield his family from danger.

A Night of Terror

In May 2023, their home was no longer safe. Four armed gang members broke in at night, stealing everything of value—phones, money, even the mother’s wedding ring. One man tried to assault her while her terrified sons screamed. Only the gang leader’s orders spared her from further harm. Before they left, they took her phone and warned her: they knew everything about her. If she made a wrong move, her family would die.

A Mother’s Courage

By June 2023, the mother knew they had to escape. The journey through Mexico was treacherous—cartels kidnapped migrants for ransom, corrupt police demanded bribes. She made the painful decision to send her sons ahead as unaccompanied minors to reunite with their father in the U.S. She stayed behind, waiting for her chance to present her case for asylum.

A Legal Lifeline

Once in the U.S., the two young boys found hope through Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (Advocacy Center). Our team worked tirelessly to ensure they had the legal support needed to navigate the complex asylum process. This process included preparing a supplemental filing, along with requesting that the brothers’ interview be scheduled concurrently, so that both boys’ testimony could be used to support the other’s case. Preparation included in-depth interviews with both boys and their parents to prepare detailed declarations in support of the boys’ claims. It also required writing a letter memorandum laying out the facts of the case and applicable law, as well as preparing a packet of “circumstantial” evidence—reports of country conditions and local news articles corroborating the family’s experience of past persecution, and then also corroborating the boys’ fear of future persecution and harm, if they were forced to return to Honduras. We also held two complete mock interviews with the boys and their mother to prepare them for the interview, receiving help from multiple Advocacy Center attorneys and paralegals in our Immigrant Justice Program who took time away from their own assigned cases to play various roles in the mock interviews, helping to create a more realistic experience for the boys.

The Final Step

By October 2024, the family faced their most critical moment yet: the boys’ asylum interviews in Washington, D.C. Nerves were high, but they arrived early, taking time to explore the capital and momentarily escape the weight of their past. The interviews were grueling—each lasting three hours—but they were prepared. They had a strong case, thorough documentation, and the courage to recount the trauma they had endured. Two of our attorneys attended the interviews with the family, acting as advocates for them during the interviews

Then, the call came. In an unprecedented six months—cases like theirs typically take years—the boys received asylum.

Ezra Rash, Attorney and Immigrant Justice Corps Fellow at the Advocacy Center, dialed the mother’s phone. She answered anxiously. “Wow,” she whispered in disbelief. The tears came first, then joy. Her sons, now in school, broke down in relief when they heard the news. Their future was secure.

A New Beginning

With asylum granted, the family now has the chance to rebuild. They can apply for work authorization, housing assistance, and health insurance. We will continue to work with them to adjust their status as they work toward permanent residency, and eventually, citizenship. The boys may even become citizens before they turn 18.

Their journey was one of resilience, and it was made possible through legal advocacy. The Advocacy Center fights for families like theirs every day—because everyone deserves the chance to live without fear.

Sandra – Taking Control of her Future

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Sandra (Lemon) Clory has lived an extraordinary life. She once dated Muhammad Ali (and even wrote a book about it!), got married (not to Ali), raised children, and navigated the ups and downs of divorce. Her life is a tapestry of vibrant experiences, and at 80+, she continues to embrace new adventures. 

This past spring, Sandra faced an important milestone: preparing for hip surgery. Her doctors recommended she have her will and living trust in place beforehand. Determined to take control of her future, Sandra visited the library to gather the necessary forms, but she quickly realized she needed help navigating the legal complexities. 

That’s when she learned about Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy’s Legal Services for the Elderly program and their wills clinic. Sandra connected with paralegal advocate Hector, who walked her through the process and scheduled her appointment. Ahead of the clinic, Sidonia, another paralegal advocate, called Sandra to confirm her appointment and ensure she felt prepared. 

Sandra remembers taking that call while treasure-hunting at Goodwill. She stumbled upon two satin fencing jackets, brand new with tags. Instantly inspired, Sandra bought one. “The pen is mightier than the sword,” she mused, as she decided to wear her jacket to the wills clinic. The sleek, satin piece made her feel powerful—ready to tackle the task of safeguarding her future with nothing more than her determination and a pen. 

At the clinic, Sandra experienced much more than legal assistance. “It felt like a reunion or a party,” she shared. Surrounded by compassionate lawyers and paralegals volunteering their time, Sandra found herself enjoying the camaraderie of others who were also putting their affairs in order. The energy in the room was uplifting—people helping people, sharing knowledge, and planning for peace of mind. 

“I’m sleeping better now that my affairs are in order,” Sandra said with a smile. “I can live my last days stress-free.” 

Thanks to the Advocacy Center’s Legal Services for the Elderly program, Sandra’s story is one of empowerment and preparation. Her experience is a testament to the power of community and access to legal resources, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or income, can approach the future with clarity and confidence.

Saving Big Mama’s House: Renai’s Story

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Renai sat in the living room, her fingers tracing the edges of the worn, yellowed pages in front of her. The large notebook she pulled out was bursting with legal documents—court filings, letters from creditors, and a maze of legal jargon that had become her constant companion. Each sheet represented a small victory, a relentless fight to keep her home—a home that had sheltered multiple generations of her family for over 50 years.

Big Mama, her late mother, had bought the house in 1971, a year marked by struggle and triumph. The house wasn’t just four walls and a roof. It was the heart of their family and the pulse of the neighborhood. Big Mama was the matriarch in every sense—her spirit so large it filled the entire block. She didn’t just raise her own children here; she raised the community. Everyone was welcome, whether they needed a meal, a place to sleep, or simply someone to talk to. Renai grew up in that environment, watching her mother offer sanctuary to anyone in need. Big Mama’s kindness was legendary.

That same spirit coursed through Renai’s veins. When her own children were born, they took their first steps on the wooden floors of the house. Their laughter echoed in the backyard, where tents were often set up for nights spent under the stars. It was more than just a yard—it was a world of memories. Every summer, the family hosted reunions there, filling the space with the sound of music, cousins running wild, and stories passed down from the elders. The grandkids loved exploring the trail just beyond the yard, a secret path that connected them to nature and generations past.

But the heartache came when Big Mama fell ill. Watching the woman who had been a pillar for so many slowly fade was unbearable. In 2017, when Big Mama passed, Renai thought the worst of her sorrow had come and gone. She was wrong. Not long after, a letter arrived. Despite the house being paid off, the nursing home slapped a lien on the property for $2,875—an insignificant amount in the grand scheme of things, yet enough to threaten everything. The very home that Big Mama had worked double shifts and overtime to keep was now at risk.

Renai felt a rage mixed with helplessness. How could a mere $3,000 cost them their legacy? Selling the house wasn’t an option—it would mean erasing everything her mother had built, everything their family stood for. Renai’s hands shook as she ran her fingers through her hair. She thought of the generations before her and those to come. Losing this house would sever the ties to her past, her future, and her identity.

Desperation pushed her to the Advocacy Center, a last-ditch effort to save what she could. The process wasn’t easy. Renai found herself drowning in legal terms and bankruptcy proceedings, but with the Center’s help, she filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, allowing her pay off the now $27,000 debt due to the foreclosing attorney’s fees. It was a decision that came with sacrifices. For the next five years, Renai, now retired and living on social security, spent more than half of her monthly income on the settlement. Each payment was a painful reminder of the struggle, but it also fueled her determination. She couldn’t let her mother’s home slip through her fingers.

Renai remembered the late nights her mother spent working, her hands worn from years of labor, and her heart swelled with resolve. Renai wasn’t just fighting for herself; she was fighting for her mother’s legacy, for her children’s memories, for the future generations that would walk these halls.

Finally, in early October 2024, after years of stress and sacrifice, Renai made the last payment. The house was safe. Tears welled in her eyes as she stood in the living room, the afternoon sun streaming through the windows. She could almost hear Big Mama’s voice, strong and proud, echoing in the silence.

“I was determined to not let this happen,” Renai said, her voice thick with emotion. “This was my mama’s house. She worked two jobs and overtime to pay for this house, and I couldn’t let it go. This has always been Big Mama’s house, and I can’t even imagine losing it.”

Now, as she looked out into the yard, the echoes of children’s laughter and family gatherings filled the air. This wasn’t just a house. It was a sanctuary, a fortress of love and resilience. Renai smiled, knowing that her family would continue to thrive here, just as they always had.

Jasmin’s Journey to Charlotte and her Green Card

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Many people go through their schooling years with the intention of going to college. Obviously, you have to work hard and get good grades. But what if you do that and then find out during your junior year of high school that you are not eligible? 

That is what happened to Jasmin. See, Jasmin moved with her parents and sisters to the United States with a Visa when she was three years old. She grew up in Los Angeles and never thought she was very different from the classmates she grew up with. 

So, with a college aspiration ingrained in her, what now? 

Jasmin worked with a nonprofit legal organization in Los Angeles to receive her Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, which allowed her to apply to and attend college. 

Jasmin was excited to be accepted (and received a full ride scholarship) to the University of California, Irvine, where she double majored in film/media studies and educational science. During summer school, Jasmin met her future husband Adonijah. After graduation from UC Irvine, they both found jobs in the mortgage industry. 

Once 2020 happened, they were both working remotely and living in a small apartment across from Disneyland (and tolerating the nightly fireworks). They got engaged (he proposed on the beach with their dog Barbie) and they decided they wanted to start their married journey together in a new city. They chose Charlotte because it was an affordable up-and-coming city, and they were both able to transfer their jobs here. 

They got married and then moved across the country, to Charlotte, in 2021. 

They talked about getting Jasmin’s DACA renewed. Jasmin talked to three different lawyers in Charlotte, and they were all very expensive, even though it was an easy case because she did not have a criminal background. Adonijah had just lost his job and they couldn’t afford the legal fees to renew the DACA, so Jasmin’s mom suggested looking for a nonprofit legal organization like the one she used in California. Jasmin found the Advocacy Center and talked to Ruth Santana. 

“Ruth was super helpful, thorough, quick and easy to work with” in helping Jasmin get her DACA renewal. 

Jasmin soon decided to get an adjustment of status so she could visit her extended family in Juarez, Mexico. (Without the adjustment in status, she was only technically allowed to visit those family members if they were very sick or to attend a funeral.) 

Jasmin called Ruth, and they determined that she met the qualifications to move forward with an adjustment in status petition. To do so, Jasmin had to prove her marriage was real. Besides completing the paperwork, she provided 230 dated pictures with her husband, along with proof of two apartments and one house with both of their names listed. Jasmin’s best friend and sister both wrote letters of support, and Jasmin and Adonijah each wrote letters about how they met and why they got married. (They wrote these separately and then enjoyed reading these together later!) 

The entire process to apply for both the residency application and the petition together and then receive approval was seven months. Jasmin received her green card in early April and celebrated her citizenship with her family. 

Jasmin currently works in human resources for an affordable housing development company. Jasmin and Adonijah own a house in Charlotte, and they are enjoying life here with their two dogs. 

Jasmin shared, “Many people feel intimidated when reaching out for assistance or engaging in conversation about their immigration status. The Advocacy Center, however, exudes an atmosphere of warmth and approachability that instantly puts one at ease. My encounters with the Advocacy Center have consistently been positive, providing me with a seamless and reassuring experience. I had nothing but a great experience with everyone at the Advocacy Center; it was a smooth ride.” 

One Morning in Charlotte Immigration Court’s Pro Bono Room

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The line starts around 10:30, after people have made their initial appearance in court. They come in, one or two at a time, to discuss their specific circumstances and inquire about next steps. Some clients are from Venezeula; some are from Mexico; one American woman comes in with a man from Haiti. Everyone seems to have a manila folder with a stack of papers to go through. Many conversations are had, along with a few tears. Lots of back and forth—usually calm and occasionally elevated. Frustration is coming through, and patience is needed. 

Most of the questions revolve around terminology, paperwork and next steps. It’s hard to move forward in the process when unfamiliar terms are thrown at you with no explanation. Plus, many documents are only shared in English. As for the next steps, that depends on where everyone is in the process. 

The advice to most: you need a lawyer to be successful. Most leave with additional paperwork: address change forms, lists of immigration lawyers, etc. If children come in with their parents, they also receive a page of stickers. 

It is a time fraught with a lot of unknown variables. Our pro bono services are there to help people understand what is happening, along with determining the next steps to move forward successfully with their lives in a new country. 

Advocacy Center hours in the Pro Bono Room are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The Charlotte Immigration Court is located at 5701 Executive Center Drive, Charlotte, NC on the fourth floor. 

“I want to move forward.”-Renita shares how she nearly lost her home and the stability the Advocacy Center was able to help her secure.

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Renita is quick to acknowledge the crucial role faith has played in her life. 

“I have been through so much, but I have always had faith that God would see me through it.  Whenever I faced obstacles, he seemed to put the right people in my path.”

Her strong faith and personal determination helped her persevere when she nearly lost her home. 

Renita lived with her elderly mother until her mother passed away.  The oldest of five children, Renita was the only sibling at the time without a stable home of her own.  Her mother wanted Renita to inherit the home they shared.

“It was important to my mom that I have a place to call my own and my siblings were very supportive.”

Renita diligently took over the mortgage payments of the house, working long hours to ensure she could stay in the home.  But when she was contacted by a scam mortgage assistance firm in 2019, the company convinced Renita to send the mortgage payments directly to them.  The fraud continued for 6 months, causing Renita to fall behind on her mortgage.   After losing her job at the onset of the pandemic and unable to recoup the payments from which she was frauded, Renita’s home entered foreclosure.  Renita was unsure of what to do next and was referred to Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.

“From my first phone call with the Advocacy Center, I felt reassured that we would figure out a solution.”

Leah Kane, Consumer Protection Program Senior Attorney, worked with Renita to officially deed the home in Renita’s name and defend against the foreclosure action.  The Advocacy Center also helped Renita apply for financial assistance through the COVID-related Housing Assistance Fund (HAF).  Once Renita was approved for funding, the Advocacy Center was able to argue in favor of withdrawing the foreclosure case entirely.

“I thank God for the help that was provided and what Leah was able to do.  She was so patient and helpful.  If I had lost my home, I would have had to move in with my daughter or find somewhere else to live.”

The affordable housing crisis in Charlotte and the surrounding areas would have made finding another place to live difficult.  Because Renita’s home has been in her family for nearly 30 years, it is known as a naturally occurring affordable home (NOAH).  Ensuring homeowners like Renita can stay in their homes is essential to building a more sustainable community and allowing families to build generational wealth.  

Renita’s gratitude for the Advocacy Center is effervescent, but when talking to her, one cannot help but be grateful for her in return.  Although she is approaching retirement age, she works 12-hour shifts, 6 days a week, fiercely determined that she will not lose her home. 

“I want to move forward.  Losing my house would have meant going backward.  I’ve worked too hard for that to happen.”

“It’s hard for someone to understand what I go through every day”

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Janet* knows firsthand that life can change in a split second.  Several years ago she and her young daughter were in a severe car accident.  Janet’s daughter walked away from the scene without injury, but Janet faced severe injuries to her brain and body that left her in the hospital for months.

Months later, Janet underwent an extensive neuro evaluation to determine the full extent of her brain injury.  Hoping to return to college to finish her education, Janet was crushed when the doctor informed her that would not be possible. Work was not an option either as she faced difficulties with memory and sight.   Janet’s mom stepped in to help, keeping track of Janet’s doctors and documents, all while encouraging Janet to apply for disability benefits. When she tragically lost her mom, Janet applied for disability benefits only to be denied multiple times.

“It is hard for me mentally to even complete the documents and forms.  I get frustrated and confused.  It’s a really long process and I did the best I could, but it wasn’t enough.  My mom was my memory; she helped me keep track of my doctors and information, but she wasn’t there anymore.”

CareRing, a health-service nonprofit helping Janet with her medications and medical insurance, referred her to Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.  Janet connected with Health Insurance Navigator, Abigail Duemler, who served as a resource when Janet became increasingly frustrated that she was unable to receive the services she needed. After her application was denied again, Janet and Abigail appealed the denial and the decision was finally reversed, providing Janet critical health insurance under Medicaid for Disability.

“[Having access to the benefits I need and at a lower cost] has put me in a better place mentally.  I don’t have to worry as much.”

Janet said using her own voice to describe how the accident affected her life during the appeal helped them understand why she needed Medicaid for Disability in a way that words on a paper had not.

“It’s hard for someone to understand what I go through every day, but when I can talk to someone and explain [how my life has been impacted], they get it.”

Abigail’s help gave Janet the extra encouragement and knowledge needed to get through the long process. Janet explains, “I knew what I needed to do [to apply for Medicaid with Disability], but not entirely. [Abigail] helped me so much.”  For Janet, the process was long and exhausting, but her main takeaway was to not give up. “It was the extra push and motivation I needed to know someone was behind me, helping me through the process.”

Janet’s experience is just one example of how Medical Legal Partnerships, such as that between CareRing and the Advocacy Center, are central to helping community members. Medical Legal Partnerships form when health care organizations work alongside public interest law organizations to serve their community, playing a crucial role in addressing the needs of people who cannot otherwise afford health or legal services.

Janet is still awaiting a disability approval on her Social Security case, but with the positive ruling of her Medicaid case there is hope. She looks optimistically to the future, and proudly shares how well her daughter is doing in school.  “It’s taken awhile but my life has finally turned around to where I want it to be.  I’ve learned to deal with [the lasting effects of my car accident] and managing my pain.  I’m really happy now.”

Help support our efforts empower clients like Janet.

*Name changed for anonymity