Welcome to
VLP’s Annual Fundraising Campaign
Dear Friends of VLP,
We ask you to help us continue our mission, to stand up for our community members, and to speak for those who are not heard. At VLP, we give a voice to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. We assist refugees fleeing torture and persecution. Our work benefits clients facing family court issues, matrimonial issues, eviction, and bankruptcy. We could not do this important work without support from donors like you. Here is a sample of the life-changing work we have done this past year:
Protecting Immigrants: After leaving an abusive marriage, our client’s husband retaliated by lying to ICE – leading to her detention and the threat of deportation. VLP secured her release, filed her VAWA case, and stayed with her every step of the way until it was approved, her removal case was terminated, and she finally received lawful permanent resident status. After her interview, she cried with joy and told us VLP restored her faith in people. VLP staff also helped connect her with pro bono divorce and annulment support, ensuring she wasn’t facing any part of her crisis alone.
Keeping Families Together: A grandmother came to us fighting for her three grandchildren – children caught in chaos as their mother struggled with untreated mental illness and homelessness. With our help, she secured a temporary court order and brought them into a safe, stable home. From there, she rebuilt their lives: healthcare coverage, school supports, doctors and dental care – and even a critical medical evaluation for one child at Roswell Park Cancer Center. All of this while she was battling stage two cancer herself. In the end, the court awarded her custody, giving these children what they needed most: safety, stability, and a future.
Keeping Our Clients Housed: A tenant in subsidized housing came to VLP facing eviction and a demand for more than $5,000 in “unpaid rent.” She knew the numbers didn’t make sense—but without legal help, she could have lost her home and been hit with a devastating judgment.
VLP dug into the paperwork, worked with her Section 8 caseworker, and uncovered that the landlord’s balance was inflated by thousands. We created a clear chart breaking down every payment and subsidy and proved she owed closer to $120 – not $5,000.
After we presented the evidence in court, the landlord’s attorney reviewed the math and withdrew the case. Thanks to VLP, our client avoided an eviction and a debt she never owed – protecting her housing and her future.
Your generous financial support will help us to further our important mission. 94% of every dollar donated goes directly to the services we provide. For many of you this means continuing a long history of giving, for which we are very grateful. For those who have not provided financial support in the past, there has never been a better time to make a commitment to VLP with a donation this year.
Thank you to all who have supported our important work over the years with your time, expertise, and kind donations. You have improved the lives of countless Western New Yorkers, furthered the highest goals of our profession, and embraced VLP’s mission.
Thank you,
Gretchen Gonzalez
CEO/Executive Director
