Phoenixville-based Project Libertad provides newly arrived immigrant children with both legal help and hope, writes Laura Klairmont for CNN.

Started by immigration lawyer Rachel Rutter in 2015, the nonprofit provides immigrant youth with free legal representation along with essential and social services and newcomer support programs.

Rutter decided to start the organization after realizing that many of her young immigrant clients had needs that were not being met.

In the past nine years, the nonprofit has helped over 1,100 individuals and represented over 90 youth in immigration cases.

Through the nonprofit’s Immigrant Children’s Defense Project, Rutter and her team protect vulnerable kids from deportation and dangerous situations by representing them in court and helping them apply for immigration status.

“Having representation matters,” said Rutter. “It makes a big difference. It’s the single most important factor in determining the outcome of a child’s case.”

She also established a case management program that covers housing, food, medical care, and other immediate needs the newcomers might struggle to obtain.

Additionally, to help children who arrive in the country already carrying trauma, Project Libertad partnered with the Immigrant Psychology Network four years ago. The partnership works on increasing awareness and also offers mental health services to immigrant youth.

Read more about Rachel Rutter creating Project Libertad and its impact at CNN.

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