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CCLA Statement on Litigation to Restore Court-Ordered Legal Aid for Low-Income North Carolinians

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After careful consideration, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (CCLA) has made the decision to challenge legislation enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly restricting and diverting non-taxpayer funds that have been used for civil legal aid in North Carolina since the 1980s.

The funds, created by court order, come from interest earned on lawyers’ trust accounts (IOLTA). The State Bar manages these funds and invests in organizations across the state, like CCLA, that provide legal services directly to low-income residents who need help with eviction, disaster relief, protection from domestic violence, medical coverage, and countless other civil legal problems.

In 1983, the North Carolina Supreme Court issued an order establishing the IOLTA program on a voluntary basis—law firms could voluntarily donate the interest earned on their trust accounts for legal assistance to low-income residents. In 2007, the Court granted a petition from the State Bar and issued a unanimous decision establishing the IOLTA program as a mandatory program for all lawyers in the state, with the use of IOLTA funds for “providing civil legal services” as its number one priority. In recent years, these funds generate more than $15 million annually.

Last year, however, the General Assembly froze the funds from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and in the 2026-27 budget, it diverted the funds on a going-forward basis to the Indigent Defense Services Private Assistance of Counsel fund. That state fund pays private lawyers to represent criminal defendants—a program that the State is already required to fund on its own. The result has been that thousands of North Carolinians have been deprived of legal representation during their time of greatest need, because the organizations that provide civil legal services have had to take on fewer cases due to the funding diversion.  

CCLA is joined by Pisgah Legal Services and Legal Aid of North Carolina in the lawsuit, which describes how the legislation is unconstitutional in two distinct ways. First, in violation of the North Carolina Constitution’s separation-of-powers clause, the legislation tries to nullify the unanimous 2007 decision of the North Carolina Supreme Court establishing North Carolina’s mandatory IOLTA program and providing for the use of the funds for civil legal aid. Second, the legislation violates the First Amendment and the North Carolina Constitution by banning legal aid organizations from accessing IOLTA funds if they exercise their fundamental rights to free speech, petition, and assembly, even when IOLTA funds are not used for those purposes at all.

The $15 million per year that has been diverted from community legal aid is less than five one hundredths of one percent of the overall North Carolina state budget. But it means so much to veterans, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, disaster victims, and others who have been the recipients of civil legal services from these funds, as ordered by the NC Supreme Court. North Carolina is the only state in the nation diverting IOLTA funds away from their intended use.

In proceeding with its legal challenge, CCLA has not taken this action lightly, but we are compelled to stand up for the clients we serve, uphold the constitutional principles at stake, protect the integrity of the IOLTA program, and ensure that these funds continue serving the North Carolinians they were intended to help.

Join us for a FREE Tax Problem-Solving Event Focused on Covid-Era Tax Deadlines and Potential Refunds on June 30

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Based on the rationale of a recent court decision, you may be eligible for relief from interest and certain penalties accrued from January 20, 2020 – July 10, 2023.

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy and K. Tyson Law are hosting a free community event to help you understand your options.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
5535 Albemarle Road
Charlotte, NC 28212

More information can be found here:

Tens of Millions of Taxpayers May Be Eligible for Significant Tax Refunds – If They Act on or before July 10 (Part I)

How to Use IRS Tax Account Transcripts to Identify Potential COVID-19 Disaster Relief Refunds (Part II)

Protect Your Potential COVID-19 Disaster Relief Refunds By Filing Formal or Protective Claims for Refund (Part III)

Beyond Penalties and Interest: How Kwong May Affect Missed Tax Refunds (Part IV)

The Heart of our Community

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Ms. Nise Glover came to Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy through our Legal Services for the Elderly program to take an important step for herself and her family. With the help of our dedicated staff, volunteers and partners, Ms. Glover completed her power of attorney, will and trust—all at no cost.

Ms. Glover has been in and out of the hospital in recent months, prompting her to think deeply about her future and the people she loves most. She wanted to ensure her children and grandchildren would be prepared and supported, with clear guidance about her health care decisions, assets and personal belongings. As she reflected on her family, Ms. Glover grew emotional—especially when speaking about her grandchildren. “Death is always untimely,” she shared, “but I don’t want them scrambling around, not knowing what to do.”

For more than three years, Ms. Glover had anxiously hoped to complete these legal documents but was unable to do so due to the high cost of standard legal services. She worried about leaving her family in a difficult position. When she received the call confirming her appointment with Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, she was overjoyed.

“It’s a big load off of me,” she said with a sigh of relief, having just completed her documents.

Ms. Glover spoke with gratitude about the volunteers and community partners who made the Wills Clinic possible. Having previously volunteered at food pantries and other nonprofit organizations herself, she understands the power of community support.“It’s a blessing if we can keep centers like these open for us,” she said. “It’s important to keep these services available for the community. These organizations are the heart of the community.”

Medicaid, Immigration & Your Information: What You Need To Know

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WHAT WE KNOW

On 7/17/25, it became known that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – shared Medicaid recipients’ (not necessarily applicants) data with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for purposes of immigration and customs enforcement.

NCDHHS recently added a web page answering some questions including:
• What does NC Medicaid at NCDHHS know?
• What information is shared from NC Medicaid?
• What data is being shared with the federal government?

ENROLLEES AND APPLICANTS SHOULD KNOW
1️⃣ The law prohibits sharing personal information with immigration officials about people who use government-funded health or social services
2️⃣ If the Department of Homeland Security already knows your current address, applying for benefits does not increase your risk
3️⃣ There is no added risk in continuing programs if you are already getting services and you have not moved
4️⃣ Dropping out of vital support programs won’t erase the data you have already provided, and keeping Medicaid will help your family

NEED HELP?
Understanding Medicaid eligibility can be confusing, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Schedule a free appointment with a local Health Insurance Navigator.
📞 980‑256‑3782
🌐 ncnavigator.org

Back-to-School Bash Brings Community Together at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy 

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As summer break winds down, children across Charlotte are ecstatic for the new school year. On June 23, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy celebrated the season of new beginnings with a Back-to-School Bash, welcoming 750+ children and families to the Advocacy Center’s office. 

Attendees stocked up on free school supplies, enjoyed games and activities, and connected with over 20 local organizations ready to support them throughout the year ahead. More than 375 backpacks were distributed to students eager to start the school year strong. 

“This event was even better than I could have imagined,” said Addison Gaddy, Health Insurance Navigator summer intern. “It was so great to interact with the community and bring the energy for back-to-school season.” 

The event created opportunities for families to meet with a variety of community partners, including Novant Health, Healthy Blue NC, Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center, NAMI, Embrace All Latino Voices, The Bulb, Our Bridge For Kids, Hope Community Clinic, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, Alliance Health, Piedmont Music Therapy, Hope Street Food Pantry, RAIN, and Legal Aid of NC. In addition, attendees were able to meet and speak with members of the Advocacy Center’s veterans, tax, immigration, health insurance navigator, and Medicaid ombudsman teams. 

A huge thank you is extended to our Health Insurance Navigator interns – Addison Gaddy, Amaree Jones, Aoife Nurse, and Aidan Palmer – who planned and helped bring the event to life, and to our entire Navigator team for their hard work in making this year’s event a resounding success. 

The event was more than just a back-to-school kickoff; it was also a strong reminder of what community can look like when advocacy, resources, and compassion come together. 

We’re already excited to see everyone again next year! 

“Having Medicaid and all the help that I have is imperative for my baby”

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There are moments in life when the strength of a mother is tested beyond measure, but in those moments, we discover the depth of her love, resilience, and unwavering faith.

For this mother, days are often a journey filled with both joy and heartache. She is a single mom, fighting for the life of her precious baby boy who, from the moment he was born, has faced unimaginable challenges. Her son was born with Down syndrome, and soon after, he was diagnosed with leukemia. For the first five months of his life, he needed oxygen just to breathe, his tiny body struggling in ways no parent should have to witness.

But despite the fragility of his health, this little boy, her angel, continues to fight every single day. Now six months old, he has started breathing on his own, a testament to his strength and the devotion of the mother. Every meal is carefully prepared by mixing milk and oatmeal to ensure he can swallow safely.

“He is my life, my angel sent by God,” she says. And with that belief, she faces the overwhelming obstacles of their journey together—one step at a time.

At a time when she felt lost and overwhelmed by the weight of her son’s medical needs, the hospital referred her to Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (Advocacy Center), where she found the guidance and support she so desperately needed. The Advocacy Center became her beacon of hope, offering the assistance and expertise necessary to help her navigate the complexities of securing Medicaid and ensuring that her son received the medical care he needed to survive and thrive. It was through the Advocacy Center’s guidance that she was able to access the critical resources that made all the difference in her son’s life.

The Advocacy Center helped her connect the dots, securing vital assistance that supported not only her son’s health but also her peace of mind as a mother. “Having Medicaid and all the help that I have is imperative for my baby,” she said.

Her story is one of faith, not just in God, but in the goodness of people who step in and offer help when it’s needed most. It is a reminder of the critical importance of programs like Medicaid and organizations like the Advocacy Center that support families in times of crisis. For this mother, these resources are not just numbers or policies—they are lifelines, the thread that holds her family together.

And as she watches her son take each breath, knowing how far he’s come, she remains forever grateful. Grateful for the love that fills her heart, grateful for every moment they have together, and most of all, grateful for the hope that her little boy continues to inspire. In the face of adversity, with a mother’s love and the right support, miracles are possible. And this mother, with her baby boy in her arms, will continue fighting for him—because that’s what mothers do.

Our Health Insurance Navigators Are Leading the Way in Healthcare Access, and Now They’re Award-Winning

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At Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, we know that access to healthcare changes lives—and so does the dedication of the people who help make that access possible.

As a part of the North Carolina Navigator Consortium, our federally certified Health Insurance Navigators provide free, unbiased assistance to individuals and families who need help navigating health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), along with Medicaid and other federal and state programs.

Advocacy Center Navigators Honored with Statewide Award for Impact on Healthcare Enrollment

In March, our Health Insurance Navigators received the Consortium Member Impact Award from the NC Navigator Consortium. This recognition celebrates the Navigators’ exceptional contributions to public health through their work supporting Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid enrollment efforts across North Carolina.

The award was presented during a special gathering in Raleigh that marked two major milestones: the 15th anniversary of the ACA and the enrollment of more than 640,000 North Carolinians in Medicaid expansion. Navigators from across the state joined community partners and fellow advocates to celebrate these achievements.

Advocacy Center Navigators Recognized at Assister Appreciation Event

In April, two Advocacy Center Health Insurance Navigators received top honors at the North Carolina Annual Assister Appreciation Event in Greensboro.

Tanja Pauler was named Navigator of the Year. This award goes to a Navigator who has shown exceptional dedication and outstanding service throughout the year, continuously going above and beyond to help our communities navigate the healthcare system and access health coverage. 

Natalie Marles, Health Insurance Navigator Project Manager, shared:

Since joining the CCLA team in 2022, Tanja has been an incredible addition to our team in the constantly changing world of access to healthcare. Her dedication, expertise, and strong integrity have raised the bar for what it means to advocate for those trying to navigate the often-tricky world of health coverage. Tanja has tackled some of the toughest challenges in our field, especially those involving agent and broker fraud and the complexities of Medicaid eligibility during the expansion. These are not easy topics to navigate; they demand a deep knowledge of policy, attention to detail, and a heartfelt commitment to clients’ well-being. Tanja brings all of this—and so much more—every single day. Her clients see her as not just a Navigator, but as a trusted friend and advocate. Her colleagues think of her as a go-to resource, a collaborative partner, and a caring presence. We all know her work has made a real impact on the lives of many people. Tanja, your professionalism, compassion, and tireless commitment to helping your clients embody the spirit of this award.

Natalie Marles was honored as the Health Access Champion, a recognition reserved for those who go above and beyond in their efforts to ensure North Carolinians can access vital healthcare services and coverage. Natalie’s leadership has been critical in supporting our team and driving impact across the region.

Julieanne Taylor, Interim Director of the Family Support & Health Care Program, said:

Since becoming the Navigator Program Manager at the Advocacy Center, Natalie has worked tirelessly with her team to reach as many North Carolinians as possible to ensure they have access to healthcare. Natalie’s passion for helping others is evident in her fearlessness to fight for immigrant families and those who are underserved in our community. Natalie is a trusted community leader and has cultivated relationships with countless partner organizations across North Carolina to expand her impact in the healthcare arena. Natalie has hosted Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Vice President Kamala Harris, and has been recognized by Former NC Governor Roy Cooper for her Medicaid Expansion efforts. Natalie is beyond deserving of this honor and we are so proud of the incredible work she does everyday. Congratulations, Natalie!!

We are so proud of both Tanja and Natalie and grateful for the dedication they bring to this work. Their commitment makes a difference every single day.

If you or someone you know needs help understanding their health coverage options, our team is here to help.

Call 980-256-3782 or visit www.ncnavigator.org to schedule a free appointment.

2024 Annual Report: Message from our Chairperson

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The Board of Trustees is deeply grateful to our dedicated CCLA staff, donors and many supporters. In 2024, the Advocacy Center faced and succeeded through multiple challenges and changes.

Through the incredible focus and hard work of our committed staff, we continued to deliver legal services for thousands of clients. In particular, we wish to recognize the leadership of Kara Moskowitz, who has served ably as our interim CEO, assisted by the indomitable Cassidy Estes-Rogers as Interim Chief Operating Officer. At the same time, driven by Kelly Lynn, who while new to her role as Chief Philanthropy Officer, has revitalized our funding efforts. Kelly, ever resilient, persuasive and creative, has worked with Legal Aid of North Carolina to hold our first major fundraising event since 2019, the Access to Justice Breakfast. On February 20, despite snow, to a sold-out audience of 500, the Advocacy Center and Legal Aid presented their combined efforts to serve the underserved.

We are also grateful to our many funders. From IOLTA to Mecklenburg County and the Levine Foundation, and so many others, you have allowed us to deliver on our mission to address systemic inequalities. You have also supported our efforts to empower clients through comprehensive legal representation, advocacy and education.

As board chair, I am thankful to my fellow board members. They have dedicated many hours to oversight, fundraising and governance. We are proud to have significant and complete giving from our board. Our board has also evolved, adding and retaining members with experience serving our client community as well as representatives from Charlotte’s largest employers, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Ally, and many large law firms. Our board now stands at 19 members, each of whom has delivered their talents to serve the Advocacy Center.

Under Kara and Cassidy’s leadership, our operations and finances have also improved. As an example, we have hired Labeebah Doe as VP of Finance and retained Ascend Nonprofit Solutions to support our accounting. Ascend supports the operations of many large nonprofits in Charlotte, including United Way and the Council for Children’s Rights. Importantly, our financial status is stable and improving.

Our search for a CEO is complete. With the help of search firm Coleman Lew Canny Bowen, we named Larissa Mañón Mervin as our next CEO, starting on May 27, 2025. Her strategic vision, legal expertise and passion for justice make her the right leader to guide us forward. 

In sum, the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy continues to provide access to justice for people in our community who need it the most. Here we are pleased to report in detail on the past year’s overall impact of our organization and our successful programs. We also want to share more about the individuals and families whose lives are better today because of the civil legal services provided by the Advocacy Center.

Throughout our efforts to meet our challenges, we have remained true to our mission. We work to ensure people can access health care and public benefits. We help people avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. We give peace of mind by preparing end-of-life documents. We fight for immigrants and help them receive asylum so they will not be in fear of having to leave the country. We resolve stressful tax disputes so people can be on firmer financial footing. We serve our greater Charlotte community through our legal expertise and efforts to advocate on their behalf.

We are grateful to our partners… our funders… our pro bono attorneys… our staff and board of trustees… It takes all of us to resolve issues that are holding people in our community back. And while we look back to provide you with this impact report, we also look forward to the opportunities to serve even more people in the future with your support. We believe in justice for all.

With sincere gratitude,
Ed O’Keefe
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees

Pro Bono Spotlight: Eric Spengler

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Photo of Eric Spengler and Jonathan meeting at Eric's office
Eric Spengler recently met with Jonathan at his law office to help Jonathan prepare an application for U.S. citizenship.

Ten years ago, Eric Spengler took on his first pro bono case with Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (Advocacy Center). Through a Continuing Legal Education program, he learned about the wave of unaccompanied minors entering the U.S. and felt compelled to help—and that’s how he met Jonathan.

Jonathan was just 13 when he arrived in Charlotte from Honduras with his cousin. His mother, who had him at a young age, had left years earlier to build a better future in the U.S. Jonathan’s father was not a part of his life, and he was raised by his grandmother in Honduras—until she was tragically murdered, leaving him alone. With nowhere else to turn, he made the journey to reunite with his mother in Charlotte.

Eric worked closely with Jonathan, listening to his story, and guiding him through the complex immigration process. Over two years, Eric helped him secure Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), a U.S. immigration classification that allows certain young people who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected to obtain immigration status and become lawful permanent residents.

Eric first secured a custody order in favor of Jonathan’s mother in Charlotte, finding that Jonathan had no viable options for adequate care in his home country of Honduras. He then represented Jonathan in immigration court, a process that resulted in the termination of removal proceedings against Jonathan. When Jonathan received his green card in 2017, it marked the start of a new chapter. After five years, Jonathan became eligible for U.S. citizenship, and Eric is now helping him prepare a citizenship application.

But the legal case was just the beginning. Over the past decade, Eric has remained a mentor and friend. The two meet up regularly to catch up over a meal at L’Empira restaurant. Eric was there to celebrate when Jonathan started his career in the construction industry, specializing in roofing and HVAC work. Jonathan’s also found a strong support system in his church community. Whenever Jonathan faces challenges, he knows he can turn to Eric for guidance.

Eric credits his mother for instilling in him the value of being a good neighbor—she was the one who shoveled sidewalks for others and welcomed a widowed neighbor for regular Sunday dinners. That spirit of service stayed with him and has shaped his commitment to helping immigrants find stability and opportunity.

A decade after his first case, Eric considers his work with Jonathan the most rewarding part of being a lawyer. So much so that he recently signed up with the Advocacy Center’s Pro Bono Program to help another young person—another teenager from Honduras, beginning his own journey toward a brighter future.

February 20, 2025 Proclaimed “Access to Justice Day”

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Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has proclaimed February 20, 2025, as “Access to Justice Day” in Charlotte. This proclamation coincides with World Day of Social Justice, a global observance dedicated to advancing fairness and equity in society.

Proclamations issued by the Office of the Mayor provide an opportunity to recognize and honor occasions of significance to Charlotteans and increase public awareness of issues that contribute to the well-being of the people of this city. This proclamation shines a light on the vital role of civil legal aid in building a more just community and highlights the impactful work we do every day at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.

As we recognize Access to Justice Day, the Access to Justice Breakfast (taking place on February 20) serves as both a meaningful recognition of the importance of our services and a call to keep fighting for justice for all.