Joining in Justice 2024 Highlights

Our Joining in Justice Honorees

On Thursday, April 4, we gathered together at The Helen Mills for our annual fundraiser benefiting The Door’s Legal Services Center, Joining in Justice. Our experience was made even more special with stunning florals from Élan Flowers.

We’re so grateful to all our pro bono partners and supporters who attended this special evening to celebrate honoree Davis Polk and Wardwell LLP, whose pro bono help with key cases enables The Door to ensure free legal services for NYC young people.

Photo credit: Christine Butler

Our Youth Client Speaker

The evening was also a special opportunity to hear the story of Taty D., a youth client whose life has been forever changed for the better, thanks to the services she received from our Legal Services Center.

Youth Client Taty

Taty shared her story of growing up in Mali, becoming an undocumented immigrant in the U.S., and filing a case for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). Taty's story is one of perseverance. She unknowingly left Mali on her own to escape an arranged marriage and, once in the U.S., had to cope with and then transition out of a difficult living situation. With the help of The Door, she was able to apply for SIJS. Her SIJS application was approved this winter, with a family member becoming her legal guardian, and she received her work permit a few days before the Joining in Justice event. The wait for her green card may remain long, but she has the security of onowing that she's eligible now that her SIJS application is complete. Most importantly, Taty is now thriving and has the hope to pursue her goals, as she put it:

The immigration process is not easy. You need patience. But the support I get at The Door has been amazing. In addition to the legal help that’s so important, I’m having fun. You’re not only going to get one thing you need at The Door. I come to The Door for my hobbies, too—singing, dancing, interacting with people here. I joined a French club and went on field trips. I saw a play. I’m excited to check out the music and dance studios.  

Taty's case had a positive outcome, but tens of thousands of young people with similar stories are in limbo, caught in the backlog of the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status application process. Our hope is that with additional support and resources, The Door can expand its legal capacities to take on even more in the future so other inspiring, resilient young people like Taty can build a better future in the U.S.

If you would like to lend your support, you can still donate here.