Charleston Legal Access

10/12/2026

IMMIGRATION BY THE NUMBERS: THE LOWCOUNTY

Immigrant communities are an integral part of the entire Lowcountry. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020-2024 estimates:

> 6.7% of Berkeley County residents are foreign-born.
>5.5% of Dorchester County residents are foreign-born.
> 6.7% of Charleston County residents are foreign-born.

That's thousands of people who call the Lowcounty home. Thousands of hardworking people who are building families, working, raising children, and contributing to our community.

This is why this work matters to Brady and Angie Quirk-Garvan, who are our $12,000 match donors. This is why they want you to give, too.

When immigration matters become legal matters, affordable representation can make a meaningful difference.

Charleston Legal Access provides immigration legal services for people who may otherwise be unable to afford an attorney, including help with detention, asylum, removal defense, VAWA, U visas, SIJS, and more.

Every gift to CLA this October will be DOUBLED up to $12,000. Help us turn $12,000 into $24,000 for immigration legal services.

charlestonlegalaccess.org/fall-fundraiser

10/09/2026

“Charleston Legal Access is the only organization in the state that offers low cost removal defense.”

For families facing removal proceedings, finding affordable legal representation can be extraordinarily difficult.

For this family, CLA immigration attorney Jennie Montenotte helped navigate a lengthy bond process that required extensive evidence gathering and advocacy.

“It was a long process because there was a lot of evidence-gathering to support this motion for bond.”

Ultimately, the client's bond was granted, but bond is not the end of the legal journey.

Your support can be DOUBLED, all of which helps CLA provide the representation families need through complicated and often lengthy immigration cases.

charlestonlegalaccess.org/fall-fundraiser

10/08/2026

If you've been following our fall fundraiser, Desiree’s family is one story. It is not the only story.

The need for immigration legal services in our community is growing:
> 300+ immigration-related calls came to Charleston Legal Access between June and December 2025.
> 516 intake forms were submitted by immigrants in our community between June 2025 and July 2026.
> From June through July 2026, CLA provided 76 immigration consultations, advice and counsel, and full representation.
> And, we anticipate serving more than 200 clients across all practices in 2026 by the end-of-year.

These numbers represent real people: people trying to understand their options, protect their families, and figure out what comes next.

And this work is only growing. CLA anticipates serving 205 clients across all of our practice areas by the end of 2026.

This October, you can help us meet the need. Every gift will be DOUBLED, up to $12,000. Help us unlock $24,000 for immigration legal services.

The need is here. The work is happening now. Give today to help CLA continue showing up for families who need affordable immigration legal services.

charlestonlegalaccess.org/fall-fundraiser

10/06/2026

Meet Brady and Angie Quirk-Garvan, our October match donors!

They’re matching gifts to CLA’s immigration fund up to $12,000 because they believe everyone deserves access to quality legal help.

As Brady says: “Where you come from or what you have in your bank account shouldn’t determine whether you can get quality legal help.”

Join Brady and Angie. Give today and your gift will be DOUBLED, up to $12,000.

Help us unlock $24,000 for immigration legal services.

charlestonlegalaccess.org/fall-fundraiser

09/29/2026

What happens when a father is taken away from his family? What happens when his children are asking when Daddy is coming home, and his wife doesn't know how she'll keep the lights on?

Charleston Legal Access is there.

This Thursday, hear one Lowcountry family’s story and how access to an attorney can change everything.

CLA’s fall fundraiser launches October 1. Our goal is to raise $30,000 to support our growing immigration legal practice and the families who need us.

The need is urgent. The work is happening now. Stay tuned.

09/24/2026

CLA and Trident United Way are in the The Post and Courier!

charlestonlegalaccess.org/op-ed

CLA Executive Director, Shirene Hansotia, & TUW CEO, DJ Hampton, co-author this op-ed which explores how access to affordable legal and financial support can help families navigate challenges without sacrificing the stability they’ve worked hard to build. When families are stable, our entire community is stronger.

We’re grateful for our partnership with Trident United Way as we work together to better support working households across the Lowcountry and connect families with the resources they need to thrive.

09/23/2026

LOWCOUNTRY JUSTICE: TIMOTHY'S STORY

THE PROBLEM:
Timothy was the father of twins and shared custody with their mother. When she passed away, the children's maternal grandparents filed for custody, seeking sole custody of the twins.
Timothy was devastated. He feared losing meaningful time with his children and desperately needed help protecting his rights as their father.

THE CLA SOLUTION:
Timothy was referred to Charleston Legal Access by one of our community partner, South Carolina Legal Services, and CLA was able to represent Timothy and advocate for his relationship with his children.
With CLA's help, Timothy reached a custody agreement that gave him joint custody and a meaningful visitation schedule, including Christmas and other holidays with his twins.
For the first time, Timothy has a say in important decisions in his children's lives and a greater opportunity to be present for them.

WORKING TOGETHER:
If you are facing a custody or family law matter, you deserve to know your rights and get the legal help you need.
And if you want to help parents like Timothy stay connected to their children, your donation helps make that legal representation possible.

Visit charlestonlegalaccess.org/donate, because when families have support, children have a stronger foundation to thrive.

09/22/2026

LOWCOUNTRY JUSTICE: FAMILY LAW

THE PROBLEM:
When parents separate or custody is challenged, children can be left in the middle of a complicated legal process.
Unfortunately Family Court cases don't always move quickly. As of July 2026 there are 4,400 pending family law cases in the court system, some of which have been there for over a year.
For families navigating separation, custody, or changing family circumstances, having stability and support in that time can make all the difference.

THE CLA SOLUTION:
Charleston Legal Access helps families navigate difficult legal matters involving custody, visitation, divorce, and child support.
Our attorneys help individuals understand their rights, navigate the legal process, and advocate for arrangements that prioritize the well-being and stability of themselves and their children.

WORKING TOGETHER:
If you are facing a family law matter, Charleston Legal Access can assist you in knowing your rights and obtaining legal help.
And if you want to help families navigate these difficult moments, your donation helps put an attorney in their corner.

charlestonlegalaccess.org/donate

09/21/2026