Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund

A very professional staff dedicated to improve the life of many immigrants in Trenton. They offer a variety of services that make a real impact.

I need help please I have a friend who's been here for 20 years and is not legal all the way, please call me 3479288238. He is Spanish

I volunteered as a VITA tax preparer (bi-lingual) this past winter, and will be working as an ESL volunteer this fall. The organization is critical for the Hispanic working poor, student, and homemaker. The functions that Laldef provides: free tax preparation, English classes, job training, etc. are important services to allow people a way to assimilate successfully into US society.

As I know LALDEF help many people as it does with me. Before a started to work for this organization the treatment and professionalism the people that are working there was excellent. I found help and care with may tax return as suggested how to manage the information for the next year.
As a worker I experienced all needs in our community: help in education, immigration, laws, school's registration, work, etc.... Laldef always has a hand to help, even we are tide in time and worker's. Thanks to this organization to gave the opportunity to service our community.

LALDEF is a fantastic organization that carefully listens to and understands the needs of its beneficiaries and does everything possible to serve them effectively and efficiently, with no wasted resources or staff time. LALDEF's work is so compelling that an entire community has developed around its programs. I would recommend this organization to anyone in need of legal, educational, and social programming designed for Latin American community members! And they treat their volunteers extremely well. I've been volunteering with them as an ESL teacher for about 10 months as well as making county ID cards for about 5 months and I'm continually inspired to keep working with them.

I love volunteering at this organization! The people with whom I work are professional, friendly, and dedicated to providing excellent service to the clientele. The patrons who come through for IDs are visibly satisfied when they leave. Proud of my role with LALDEF!

It was an honor serving as a volunteer at LALDEF earlier this year. I was extremely impressed with the dedication and work ethic of the staff in serving the needs of the Latin American community. It inspired me to re-energize my study of the Spanish language so that I can better help the clients at this great organization.

Muchas gracias LALDEF por estar aquí por la comunidad. Hemos sido ayudados a la vez que hemos colaborado con esta loable organización y puedo constatar de la responsabilidad, seriedad y el cariño con el que se dedican a la comunidad inmigrante o no. Constantemente estoy enviando personas con distintas necesidades a LALDEF.

Organizacion muy bien reconocida, con altos estandares de atencion hacia la comunidad, brinda el apoyo apropiado, a traves de sus representantes y colaboradores, quienes cuentan con el liderazgo y experiencia para Generar la confianza Del cliente y satisfaccion del servicio.

LALDEF has helped this community in many ways. From helping high school students to providing career development workshops. LALDEF takes pride in the wonderful work they do.

Amazing Organization ! One of the helpful programs that they have is FUTURO that helps high school students with their future. Has help me a lot in so many ways . But that is not the only programs & events they have for the community. There are so much other great things as well .

LALDEF is a phenomenal organization. I began as a volunteer, and was thrilled to be able to join the staff. They are mission driven, and fully focused on serving people who need help the most. They listen to the needs of their clients, trying new programs and connecting with other NGOs in the community to bring a full array of services. Ive never encountered someone who had less than an all around wonderful experience with LALDEF, and I couldnt recommend them any more.

LALDEF was a fantastic, free resource for tax preparation in the Trenton Latino community. My time working with them was very rewarding due to the dedicated leadership of Maria and the tangible impact we were having in saving money for our clients. These local families came to LALDEF en mass because they knew we are a free, reliable resource for quality tax preparation. Without a doubt I'll be returning next year to volunteer!

LALDEF's English classes are highly personalized and well-directed. They really target allowing the students to be able to use language in their daily life, and provide a safe environment within which to practice speaking and learning. The English classes provide a springboard for students to become more familiar with the organization's other services, which are numerous: student mentoring, immigration assistance, tax preparation, and job and professional development opportunities. There is no organization that I have encountered that is as personal and as deeply committed as LALDEF.

LALDEF is an amazing organization that I feel grateful to have been a part of. Their staff is dedicated, hard-working, and incredibly welcoming. Their work makes a big difference in the local community. Of all the volunteer experiences I have participated in, teaching ESL at LALDEF was one of the most rewarding experiences. I learned a lot and developed amazing relationships with my students. I 100% recommend this organization.

My experience with LALDEF has been such a positive one! I have been mentored by the FUTURO Mentoring Program that is from LALDEF through out my junior and senior year of high school. That in itself is enough to give LALDEF an A++. I have seen the way LALDEF volunteers have helped immensely in the community of Trenton. From ESL classes I have sat in, to legal help regarding immigration that I have volunteered with, LALDEF covers a large platform of various areas of concentration to help those who need it. I have also volunteered in the tax season-long initiative to do people's taxes, free of charge. I am amazed at how many people have benefited from the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and will proudly continue to volunteer for this wonderful non-profit so the community of Trenton can keep benefiting from it's services, and better itself.

LALDEF is a non- profit organization that has changed the lives of many families. When a person arrives to our offices she/he feels the welcoming of our house. families can trust in us. We can help them to obtain an ID ( it means given them an identity) or offering English or computer classes it means helping these families to have a better communication between them. Laldef has impact the lives of many people changing their views from a negative vision to a positive one full of hope and faith. Lets support LALDEF !!!

I've worked on LALDEF's ESL and ID card initiatives and I continue to be amazed at how much they mean to the recipients. LALDEF does so much with limited financial resources and a very minimum staff.

I was a volunteer before to help do the identification cards for people in Princeton and Trenton. It was great working with the staff of LALDEF. They make sure to help out others in ay inquiries they have. I also got my taxes done once at them and they were great also! They made sure I understood everything I was being asked and everything I was signing.

-Mari

I have volunteered with LALDEF's free tax assistance program, am a donor, and have greatly benefited from LALDEF's expertise in my role as Chair of the Princeton Human Services Immigration Subcommittee.

Maria Juega, LALDEF's Executive Director, took time from her impossible schedule to help Princeton Human Services and the Princeton Police Department develop a much more immigrant friendly protocol for local police interactions with the federal ICE agency. It states that the police job is public safety, not as an arm of federal deportations. This has greatly strengthened community trust in our police.

In addition, Ms Juega helped Human Services and the police develop a process and intake form for cases of alleged wage theft. This has helped us recover thousands of dollars in unpaid wages for low income workers. Bravo LALDEF!

As a tutor in LALDEF's English classes for adults, I have witnessed first hand the incredible and increasingly critical work that the organization is doing. With a rapidly growing Latino community in the Trenton area, coupled with an economy that favors skilled labor over non-skilled labor, learning English is one of the most effective ways Spanish speaking adults can bolster the financial situation of their families.

The English classes are but a small portion of the work that LALDEF is doing, and the guidance that LALDEF provides to their clients helps them navigate a seemingly indecipherable series of laws, regulations, and requirements related to citizenship and naturalization.

The staff is amazing and fully dedicated to the organization's mission. I wish more people knew about and supported LALDEF!

Great organization that helps the community at large.

Few words could do justice in describing the positive impact that LALDEF provides has on local community. LALDEF is place where people come to be empowered to overcome the barriers of living in an underserved and, often, marginalized communities. As one of their first paid staff, I learned first hand of stories from people that left a profound impact on my naive understanding of the immigrant community. From helping clients advocate for themselves against abusive labor practices, helping persons prepare for their citizenship exams, learn English and computer skills to facilitating support for families who had lost loved ones in traumatic immigration raids, LALDEF is an organization that provides services based on the community's needs - a real representation of grassroots work.

LALDEF was at the forefront of the community ID card effort, which demonstrates its commitment to inclusion and an open system so immigrants don't have to hide in the shadows. Their programs are designed to help clients achieve self-sufficiency so that their contributions to our communities can be strengthened.

Recently NY city adopted a municipal identification card to residents regardless of their immigration status. Guess what LADLEF began a similar program at least 3 years ago. This is why I believe in LADLEF!

LALDEF is a great organization. I have been a witness to their effort in making this community a better place. Their dedication and commitment is definitely inspiring. I am a volunteer and have also benefited from their services.

LALDEF fills in a much needed gap in Mercer County. The leardeship team is top notch and results, such as the identification cards, palpable and impactful

I have been part of LALDEF for over two and a half years with the different programs and initiatives that LALDEF has are truly geared to help the Trenton community. It is a very rewarding experience to be part of an organization that dedicates itself to providing adult education classes, immigration services and workshops, health and well-being family events, community photo-ID, tax return preparation, among other programs that truly help residents of Trenton. Those who are served by LALDEF are genuinely grateful for the services provided.

As a volunteer ESL teacher, I encounter many individuals and families who need help. LALDEF acts as a liaison between legal experts and immigrant families. The organization organized and implemented a program for members of the community, both documented and undocumented, to acquire a community ID card which is helpful at doctors' offices and in case of emergencies. Throughout the year, LALDEF sends an e-letter to keep the community informed concerning upcoming legislation, educational opportunities and health care assistance. LALDEF is a wonderful non-profit whose members work tirelessly to promote social justice.

Laldelf has made a significant impact in the inner city of Trenton helping the impoverished people in every way possible.

I run a parent support group for Latino parents in our community. LALDEF, and specifically Maria Juega, has come to speak at our meetings. Additionally, she sends me vital information relevant to the parents I work with on a very regular basis. I share this information t each of my meetings, and the parents have told me repeatedly that they have benefitted from the services and information, such as health, IDs, education, etc..

I volunteer to serve the steady stream of clients who need photo ID cards which carry emergency information and establish their residency so they can access services that they qualify for. This work helps me know and understand the immigrant community in my home city. The clients are treated with respect, and I enjoy their gratitude. It is a well organized program making a significant contribution to our community.

LALDEF, LALDEF, LALDEF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LALDEF is a honest and honorable non-profit organization, 100% dedicated to our Latino Community and others. Always doing the extra mile in order accomplish all their goals. LALDEF has been a huge blessing to Trenton and Mercer County, it has done a lot of projects that benefits our community. They were able to developed a Mercer Community ID regardless of the individual's immigration status. We need to support LALDEF as much as possible!!! Please keep helping LALDEF!!!!!!!! Keep up the GREAT JOB!! BLESSINGS!! DINA

LALDEF does amazing work for the community! I helped with a health fair in Trenton in 2011 and couldn't believe how well-organized it was and all the resources that LALDEF provides, both itself and through community partners. LALDEF is providing many important services to immigrants in Central New Jersey.

LALDEF is the best non for profit organization that I've been volunteering for. The programs are really community oriented specially for those in great need: minorities, poor, homeless and forgotten from the government agencies. The Health fair events, the community ID cards are just two of the good programs that help the most to the community. mposso

LALDEF does an amazing variety of work that is really needed in the community they serve. They organize attorneys to provide the community with free legal advice and to prepare naturalization applications. In addition they conduct various community education programs. I get emails from them regularly and learn about events and opportunities for education, scholarships, training, tax preparation, etc. For a relatively small non-profit they have a wide and effective outreach. They provide all services and information in both English and Spanish.

LALDEF has been a catalyst for positive action in Mercer County, New Jersey and beyond. Straddling the roles of service provider (with a community ID card, Know Your Rights presentations, and an annual Health Fair, e.g.) and advocate (convening stakeholders to meet with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to demand accountability or testifying against state education policy that patently defies federal law by discriminating against American-born children of immigrants) LALDEF is a leader in the field. We are grateful for the difference the organization is making in community that is crucial to the NJ economy, schools and neighborhoods.

LALDEF has helped us for almost a decade. As a previously elected official, we relied on LALDEF to assist us in reaching the immigrant population in our community and finding ways to better assist them. Although no longer in public office, we now serve on boards that assist community members and we can always count on LALDEF to connect our clients with the most up to date and helpful information available. They are a vital link to the people in our community of Hightstown and East Windsor in Mercer County.

Laldef is the only one Organization that I recognize that work for legal and ilegal community broadly in the City of Trenton. They created and execute in the actually the Community ID which is acepted and recognized in all Mercer County NJ. This community Id is helping our community to be more proactive in the intire Mercer County.

LALDEF is the most outstanding non-profit organization in Mercer County, NJ. Their HARD work had positively affected hundreds of people IN our community. They are amazing kind people, full of energy and strength looking for justice, equality and better quality of life for all. Maria Juega, is a pioneer… She has the heart, faith and wiliness to fight for us… the people. She is an excellent role model. I have learned a lot from her and I know that LALDEF can do even more if we keep supporting them and fighting with them…LALDEF, is a truth non-profit organization…and I’m proud to know that they really belong to our community. Thank you LALDEF. Dina Ochoa

I have admired Maria (Charo) Juega since the mid 1990's when we were both active volunteers in the Latin American Task Force of Princeton, NJ. She then had a broad vision for a group that would take on many projects that the Task Force, which chose not to incorporate, could not. This became the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

LALDEF has exceeded even my most optimistic expectations, notably with the successful identification card for immigrants, now widely used in both Trenton and Princeton.

Laldef is such a great non profit organización that helps our community, no matter is they are Latinos or not. It is an honor to be a volunteer whenever possible, specially for the health fair, since a lot of people don't have health Insurance and it's the only way they get to see a Doctor. I would like to mention the hard work of Maria Juerga and all the effort she gives to run this organization.

I encourage then to keek up the great work they are doing

A. Servellon

I am an ESL teacher in Mercer County, with a rapidly growing Latino student body. As this is my 34th year of teaching, I have worked with many, many students in other states and even other countries, and yet I have never felt so drawn to the families of the children I teach. All are immigrants eager to contribute to their new society, better the educational chances of their children, and live law-abiding, productive lives. Fortunately for them, LALDEF is thriving in the greater Princeton area. I have directed many families to its services, invited speakers to our parents' group, and publicized its events through my school. With its mission of service, education and advocacy, with its outstanding leadership, wide-reaching programs, and determination to uphold the dignity of every human life, the families I work with have been guided, supported and brought closer to their dream: a productive life as valued members of American society, a society built on the success of its immigrants. LALDEF gets results for its client base because it is neither abrasive nor confrontational. It delivers its message in an intelligent, peaceful, educational way and because of this, good things happen and justice is served.

The Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund provides critical advocacy leadershp on behalf of individuals and in support of public policy that recognizes the human dignity of immigrants, regardless of their status.

Maria Juega, the LALDEF Board and volunteers provide information to the Latino and non-Latino community year round with very little $$ and sometimes $0. Its tireless work in the community includes: Futuro (a high school mentoring program), annual community health fairs, provision of Community I.D. cards in Trenton and Princeton, NJ., dissemination of a plethera of information on immigration issues, including seminars, discussions etc. in Princeton, both university and town, as well as in surrounding municipalities, and assisting individuals with unfair labor practices and immigration problems.

The Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) is one of the few nonprofit organizations in Mercer County that does its job! This organization exceptionally strives to impact the Latino community and their incorporation to the american society. In the legal side, its efforts involve providing assistance with deportations, immigration, civil and criminal cases. Most of the people who receive the assistance are people who do not have the money or access to obtain the correct information to deal with the problem. Therefore, LALDEF is becoming a reliable source to figth social justice. In the education side, the Futuro Mentoring Program is one exceptional idea that promotes education throughout the Latino community. As a Mentor for the program, the necessity of our student it's quite evident. However, the efforts are making a difference in the students' lives. Proper mentoring and tutoring, in addition to extracurricular activities are allowing our students to not be part of the terrifying dropout statistics and allowing them to pursue a higher education.

Overall, this is a great organization that strives to fulfill its vision.

A phenomenal organization full of hardworking individuals. This is more than just a nonprofit though: this organization is a great way to understand how persistence in building social capital in some very difficult communities can yield substantial benefits and results.

Laldef works with AARP's Tax-Aide program to provide the language assistance necessary to serve the Latina community. As partners we provide tax preparation for all who come to our site. We do the paper work to obtain an ITIN and do taxes for undocumented workers who are anxious to show good citizenship as well as those who might otherwise struggle with the required paperwork. Last tax season we did over 250 tax returns for individuals and families throughout the region.

LALDEF is an organization that always looking to inform and educate the community about law, culture,health etc. Constant helping clients with human rights,immigration, education.
They are involve in health fairs, immigration seminars,culture affairs to serve the community.
Is a great organization, where anyone can turn on for help and to help others.

As an employer of Latin Americans in Mercer and Burlington Counties, I have relied on LALDF to provide me information important to the Latin American community. I especially value their bilingual emails that I share with our employees that provide critical information about free legal consultation and financial planning, for example. Staff of LALDF also do extensive public speaking and host community forums that help the larger community understand the problems faced by recent immigrants.

I acknowledge the hard work, dedication and visible results that this organization has managed to obtain. It is worthy of being recognized and applauded for their tireless volunteers and members who have achieved a change in the community they serve.

I had a wonderful opportunity to partner with LALDF and sit on the board member group. This organization has provided countless efforts to provide health services and valuable resources to the Hispanic Community in Trenton. Our partnership has allowed us to better serve the Hispanic Community and provide an extensive outreach.

My experience with LALDEF is that it is managed by Maria Juega very well. This organization shows up at many local organizations' conferences and helps residents of this state understand the plight of both documented and undocumented immigrants impacted by Homeland Security as well as local police departments. Immigrants of many countries enrich the economy and the diversity in New Jersey. When immigrants suffer abuse or are threatened by deportation, this organization makes certain that they are well represented. On request, Ms. Juega goes out of her way to be helpful. While I was teaching a college course named Issues in Intercultural Communication, I saw in the local paper an article on an immigrant student who was honored for leading his high school graduating class academically. She helped me locate him (when all other attempts failed) and he agreed to speak to my class about his immigration experiences so my students would understand the difficulty many persons experience.

I have turned to LALDEF on quite a few occasions for help and support. Each time the organization was especially helpful, insightful, knowledgeable, and encouraging. Whether the specific task has been to educate and inform, to help support clients, to advocate for public policy, or something else, LALDEF and especially Maria Juega the Executive Director have been wholly helpful and positive. I would encourage anyone interested in the broad field of immigration reform and the best ways to serve people who are often taken advantage of and discriminated against to turn to LALDEF. It will be a positive and rewarding experience.

LALDEF works tirelessly to increase awareness of issues and injustices that affect the local immigrant populations in New Jersey.
They were able to get community ID cards in Princeton and Trenton for those that needed them.

The Latin American Defense Legal and Education Fund fills an important gap in services for the Latino population. The staff works tirelessly to serve its constituency, often without much financial support.

Princeton NJ is a rather affluent community where issues related to immigrants are easy to overlook. LALDEF provides not only much needed services to the immigrant community but acts as a conduit that connects it to the public at large.

Laldef is THE outstanding leader in the Immigrant community of Mercer County, NJ. They build community within the county by spearheading civic associations, assisting individuals and families in times of dire need of justice and provide free health care evaluations and immunizations to those members of the community who can least afford it.

I am a previous board member and have great respect for the work being done by these individuals who give their time and money to such a worthwhile cause.

Laldef has also been an invaluable resource to local, city and county governments in reaching the immigrant community and was instrumental in creating the community ID card for Mercer county towns which helps first responders assist victims of crime and accidents.

Since returning back to the Greater Trenton area I have seen and heard the passion behind this organization, Being a youth advocate and mentor through out the Mid Atlantic area I am proud to see what this organization is doing for their community. Commitment, Dedication and Passion is what I think about when I think of LALDEF!!!! Keep up the great SERVICE!!

LALDEF's advocacy work has been outstanding over the years. They helped people who are struggling, overworked, underpaid, and at times exploited.
They provide civic education and documentation to hard-working immigrants and free vaccinations to children. It helps individuals who don't have access to other resources.

It has been a pleasure to help LALDEF meet the needs of so many!

I helped start this group, been on the board, been on the advisory council, helped with a number of projects. I also make pretty big financial donations. I know a number of people in the Latino immigrant community and work with them in various ways. I often refer them to LALDEF for help and LALDEF gives it. The group works on many levels from the very personal, to the community wide, to forums that include members of the local government and our US Congressman.
LALDEF also works with other local groups such as Not In Our Town, of which I am also a long term & very active member.
What LALDEF has grown into during the time of its coming into existence is quite amazing and largely due to the dedication of its founder, but also to those whose belief in the importance of the work have led them to be deeply involved in a number of ways. We started out as a small group with little more than a hotline cell phone number holding our meetings in the local Quaker meeting, and have grown to a group that keeps that hotline but also meets on the campus of Princeton University, has offices in Trenton and in Princeton and is recognized by the authorities of both municipalities as well as being known to many in the community - immigrant or otherwise - as an important part of making our lives as individuals and as a community richer, fairer, safer and more caring.

LALDEF has led numerous broad initiatives to support immigrants in the community including legal aid, health screenings, crime victim support, citizenship training, student assistance, tax preparation assistance and the highly successful Community ID card program, which gave the immigrant community a sense of belonging and security.
Additionally, LALDEF has sponsored many community events that, with the public at large, promote greater understanding of the immigrant situation and the need for immigration reform

I have worked with LALDEF in its Community ID program. I've found the program to be nothing short of inspiring, and LALDEF's director, Maria Juega, to be a "force of nature."

LALDEF is one of the most comprehensive, well organized and proactive civil rights organization in the County. LALDEF hosts successful know your rights workshops, citizenship drives, legislation advocacy, educational presentations and panels, and coordinates a very successful mentoring program. It is a one-stop shop for new American families.

The Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund is an extraordinary organization founded in 2004 by local volunteers concerned about the treatment of immigrants in Central New Jersey. Committed volunteers have collaborated with LALDEF's executive director, Maria (Charo) without respite to serve the Latino Community, especially immigrants. Although LALDEF is small it has exceeded expectations. Among LALDEF's achievements are:

* Educating immigrants about their rights and responsibilities.
* Regularly rganizing events, including roundtables, conferences, and workshops to inform the public about the conditions surrounding immigrants and the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
* Implementing a Community ID program that enables persons without other forms of representation with a valid means of identification. LALDEF has issued more than 3,000 Community ID cards which are recognized and accepted by police departments, places of commerce, hospitals, schools, banks, etc. The program benefits juvenile parolees, homeless people, undocumented children, and recent immigrants.
* Implementing the FUTURO program, a mentoring effort meant to help young people graduate from highschool and make a successful transition into college. LALDEF recently celebrated the graduation of eight participants in this program.
* Sustaining regular dialogues with the authorities about problems facing the Latino community; referring indiviuals and families to service providers; and advocating for families and individuals in need.

This and more LALDEF does on a string budget. You will rarely meet a more effective or dedicated individuals, all working in the spirit of service and justice.