La Puerta Abierta

What the org has to say: “LPA provides pro-bono counseling with youth and families who cannot access services elsewhere due to language, economic, legal, and social barriers. We work and learn alongside those who are impacted by lack of documentation and displacement of family members.”

What we found: LPA’s executive director, Cathi Tillman, says the organization sees the people it works with as community members, rather than clients. The organization has created a community of individuals who are searching for constructive ways to work through their mental health concerns. Many participants have referred their friends and family to LPA’s legal counseling. Tillman describes members as feeling “more empowered, feeling more connected, less afraid, more confident, more competent” through their work with LPA.