Our Community Projects
assistance to those in need
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
- Unaccompanied minors and minor immigrant children. Aldea represents many children who have entered the United States alone (unaccompanied minor) or entered with a parent where only the child has been placed into immigration removal proceedings;
- Immigrant children who are eligible for relief such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals;
- Immigrants detained in immigration detention centers, particularly parents and children detained at the Berks Family Residential (detention) Center;
- Victims of crimes in the United States, including domestic violence.
assistance to those in need
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
Aldea – The People’s Justice Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides low-income individuals and families in immigration removal proceedings with access to quality pro bono or discounted fee legal representation. Although Aldea’s legal services are open to all low income individuals, Aldea assists several specific categories of individuals:
- Unaccompanied minors and minor immigrant children. Aldea represents many children who have entered the United States alone (unaccompanied minor) or entered with a parent where only the child has been placed into immigration removal proceedings;
- Immigrant children who are eligible for relief such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals;
- Immigrants detained in immigration detention centers, particularly parents and children detained at the Berks Family Residential (detention) Center;
- Victims of crimes in the United States, including domestic violence.
Legal Assistance
Social services
Volunteer work
Berks County
Aldea’s New Americans Project (ANAP)
Aldea’s New Americans Project is an initiative rooted in extending pro bono legal support to lawful permanent residents navigating the transformative journey towards American citizenship. We partner with the Literacy Council of Berks County, which offers free English and civics courses to prepare applicants for their citizenship interview. We assist individuals in drafting their application forms and compiling evidence in support, navigating the citizenship process, and understanding the expectations at their interviews, and addressing potential barriers like medical disability exceptions and criminal issues. By offering free legal representation, we empower lawful permanent residents to pursue American citizenship with confidence, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
The York Adult
Guatemalan Assistance Project (GAP)
At Aldea, our Guatemalan Assistance Project stands as a beacon of support for the vibrant Guatemalan community residing in Pennsylvania and adjacent states. Our commitment revolves around safeguarding Guatemalan individuals from deportation and securing their rightful legal status within the United States. This crucial initiative operates by collaborating closely with community-based organizations and governmental entities. We provide comprehensive training that equips these partners to identify those most vulnerable within the community – primarily focusing on the youth, women, and individuals of indigenous heritage. By channeling our legal expertise, we extend a protective shield to those facing hardships driven by their age, gender, and background. Through dedicated legal assistance, we ensure that vulnerable Guatemalans are not only protected from deportation but also empowered to embrace a life of security and opportunity within their new country.
Haitian Outreach Project (HOPE)
Amid the tumultuous journey of recently arrived Haitians escaping persecution, civil unrest, and violence in Haiti, Aldea’s Haitian Outreach Project emerges as a lifeline of compassion and resilience. Navigating the complex web of challenges encountered by these individuals – encompassing housing, employment, sustenance, and crucially, legal services – our program serves as a bridge to stability and empowerment. Rooted in cultural competence, our approach recognizes the significance of linguistic understanding and historical context. This cornerstone enables us to provide unwavering support in Haitian Creole, fostering an environment of trust and accurate representation. By guiding Haitians through intricate legal processes, including obtaining Temporary Protected Status, employment authorization, and asylum protections, we ensure their transition to self-sufficiency. Through our endeavors, we not only offer legal refuge but also empower Haitian communities to rebuild their lives, contribute to society, and embark on a path of renewed hope.
The York Adult
Aldea C.A.R.E.S. Project
Aldea’s Children’s Advocacy, Representation and Services Project stands as a sanctuary of protection for unaccompanied immigrant children. Established with a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights of children and babies, our journey began in 2016 with the founding purpose of extending holistic legal representation to immigrant families detained at the Berks County Family Residential Center. Through tireless dedication, we represented thousands of families with young children in expedited removal proceedings and advocated for their release through a spectrum of efforts including local and national advocacy campaigns and federal litigation. Aldea’s legacy extends beyond detention centers, resonating within communities across Pennsylvania and evolving into a free program to ensure that unaccompanied immigrant children in the state, irrespective of financial resources or case merits, have competent legal representation while navigating complex systems designed for adults. Our C.A.R.E.S. Project provides free legal representation to unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 who reside in our designated region. Through this project we seek to amplify the voices of children, cement their rights, and reshape their futures.
The York Adult
Aldea C.A.R.E.S. Project
Aldea’s Children’s Advocacy, Representation and Services Project stands as a sanctuary of protection for unaccompanied immigrant children. Established with a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights of children and babies, our journey began in 2016 with the founding purpose of extending holistic legal representation to immigrant families detained at the Berks County Family Residential Center. Through tireless dedication, we represented thousands of families with young children in expedited removal proceedings and advocated for their release through a spectrum of efforts including local and national advocacy campaigns and federal litigation. Aldea’s legacy extends beyond detention centers, resonating within communities across Pennsylvania and evolving into a free program to ensure that unaccompanied immigrant children in the state, irrespective of financial resources or case merits, have competent legal representation while navigating complex systems designed for adults. Our C.A.R.E.S. Project provides free legal representation to unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 who reside in our designated region. Through this project we seek to amplify the voices of children, cement their rights, and reshape their futures.