At MARIPOSA, our mission is to equip the youth of the Central Coast to become leaders and advocates in immigration work, ensuring the protection and support of our local families by training the next generation of legal service providers to be grassroots community advocates and trainings grassroots community advocates on the nuts and bolts of the law and legal systems our families must navigate.
We are dedicated to training young individuals to become non-attorney Accredited Representatives, providing an accessible pathway for those who cannot afford law school right away to become legal advocates. By nurturing the talents and passions of our youth, we strive to create a community where families are safeguarded, connected, and thriving. Together, we envision a future where our trained youth continue to serve our region, within our organization and beyond, sustaining the strength and unity of our community.
Advocacy
Advocacy is rooted in the lived experiences of immigrant families. We stand alongside our community to amplify their voices, address urgent concerns, and push for policies that advance justice, equity, and dignity for all.
Professionalism
We create pathways for the next generation of leaders by training youth and community members to become accredited representatives and advocates. This work provides career opportunities while building long-term capacity within immigrant communities.
Legal Services
Our legal services are client-centered, trauma-informed, and affordable, ensuring that immigrant families receive the quality support they deserve. By offering direct assistance, we protect families from exploitation and help them navigate complex legal systems with confidence.
helping community Rise and empower each other
We believe lasting change comes from communities lifting each other up. Our work is grounded in the strength, resilience, and leadership already present within immigrant families. By equipping neighbors with knowledge, tools, and opportunities, we ensure that every voice has power and every family has support.
Through outreach, education, and mentorship, we create pathways for community members to become advocates themselves. Each person trained is not only serving families today, but also building the foundation for future leaders who will carry this work forward.
Together, we are more than an organization — we are a movement of families, youth, and advocates standing side by side to advance justice, dignity, and equity. When our community empowers each other, we all rise.
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Theory of change
Many low-income, immigrant, and mixed-status families face life-altering legal challenges — but cannot access quality legal support. Systemic barriers like language, cost, fear, and misinformation widen the gap between need and access. Meanwhile, talented individuals within those same communities are underutilized, eager to serve but often lack formal pathways to do so.
We believe the most effective change happens when impacted communities are empowered to defend themselves — and each other.
Your suport brings justice within reach—and helps our community rise, together.
Donations enable us to expand our outreach and provide essential legal services to those in need. By contributing to MARIPOSA, you play a vital role in ensuring access to justice for vulnerable individuals and families.
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