Support new immigration law clinic in Youngstown at upcoming fundraiser
Thrive Mahoning Valley stepped up to help three Haitian women whose vehicle broke down, leading to their detainment at the Mahoning County Jail.
They were traveling from Boston to Indiana when their car broke down near Cleveland.
Despite being fully authorized to travel, holding valid work authorization, and Temporary Protected Status (approved through approximately September 2026), they were detained.
The women were transferred to the Mahoning County Jail where they remained in detention for four months. Thrive Mahoning Valley supported them by:
- Securing the women with legal representation they needed which specialized in immigration cases
- Providing commissary funds for essential items and phone calls with family
- Advocating for visitation access, proper medical/dietary accommodations
- Organizing letters of support for court proceedings
Following a court ruling that confirmed there was no case, the women were released on a Friday, but required to report for an ICE hearing in Cleveland the following Monday, according to Thrive Mahoning Valley.
Once the women were released, Thrive Mahoning Valley met the women when they were released and purchased warm clothing and shoes for them, as none of their belongings had been returned.
Thrive also arranged hotel accommodations for several nights, then coordinated and funded their travel reunite with family members.
Thrive Mahoning Valley is launching a new immigration law clinic to provide trusted legal guidance for individuals and families in the area, support them and prevent unjust outcomes within a complex legal system.
To support the new initiative, they are hosting a fundraiser called A Legal Way Forward on April 29 at the B&O Banquet Hall in downtown Youngstown.
Chris Colón is the executive director of Thrive Mahoning Valley.
“Our goal is to create a resource that helps individuals and families understand and navigate the immigration system in a lawful, informed, and supported way,” Colón said. “This clinic is about access to legal guidance and strengthening the systems that help our community function effectively.”
Tickets are $75 per person and $560 for a table seating eight people; learn about sponsorship opportunities on Thrive’s website or by calling (330) 599-6680.
Their fundraising goal to launch the program is $60,000 to hire a full-time immigration attorney, and organizers aim to start delivering services this year.
The event will bring together members of the legal profession, civic leaders and community supporters to help establish a critical new resource ensuring that individuals and families navigating the immigration system have access to trusted legal guidance.
The Thrive Immigration Law Clinic will provide guidance and support to individuals and families seeking to navigate complex immigration processes through legal and appropriate channels.
