Catholic Charities NH, the state’s largest human services organization, has received a $40,000 grant from the New Hampshire Bar Foundation to help immigrant victims of crime escape violence, protect themselves and rebuild their lives.

The two-year grant will support Catholic Charities NH’s Immigration Legal Services program, which provides specialized immigration legal assistance to low-income victims of domestic violence, sexual assault human trafficking and other crimes. Without appropriate legal assistance, victims may remain vulnerable to continued abuse, exploitation, housing instability and financial hardship.

Catholic Charities NH helps eligible victims understand and pursue immigration protections available under federal law, including relief through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and U visas for qualifying victims of certain crimes. The program also connects victims with domestic violence crisis centers and other community services that can assist with needs such as housing, employment and financial support.

“We are incredibly grateful to the New Hampshire Bar Foundation for helping us strengthen this important work,” said Kim George, Managing Attorney for Catholic Charities NH’s Immigration Legal Services. “These services can help victims find a way out of dangerous situations where they may feel trapped with nowhere to turn. This grant will allow us to stand beside them, protect their rights and help them build safer, more independent lives.”

Catholic Charities NH’s Immigration Legal Services program provides legal services and advocacy to individuals who are eligible under federal law to apply for immigration benefits. Each year, the program serves approximately 175–200 victims of crime across New Hampshire.

To learn more about Catholic Charities NH’s Immigration Legal Services, visit cc-nh.org/immigration.