Q&A with Jamie Sabino, Deputy Director of Advocacy
Mass Law Reform is powered by our advocates – talented and committed individuals who work together to fight for the needs of low-income people. We want to highlight these advocates, starting with Jamie Sabino, MLRI’s Deputy Director of Advocacy.
Jamie Sabino joined MLRI in October 2014. She is the Deputy Director of Advocacy and the Managing Attorney of the Civil Legal Needs for Victims of Crime Initiative (CLAVC). The CLAVC Initiative is supported by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance through a Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
In addition, she serves as lead advocate for the Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Project (DVLAP) including facilitating the Family Law Task Force, a statewide group of legal services family law attorneys, attorneys in domestic violence service provider agencies, and attorneys involved in family law pro bono programs and law school clinics.
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, and Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, Along with 160+ Organizations, Urge the Baker Administration to Change Harmful RAFT Requirement
For Immediate Release: October 18, 2022
Contact: Christine Dunn
christine@sevenletter.com | 617.646.1044
New rules in rental assistance program will increase evictions, loss of housing and homelessness
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, and Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, together with over 160 organizations and elected officials across the state, sent a letter to Massachusetts legislative leaders, legislators, and the Baker Administration, requesting the removal of a new, harmful requirement in the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program. The requirement, effective August 1, 2022, is preventing qualified households from accessing needed benefits which is prompting preventable evictions, forcing households to fall further behind in rent, and putting them at greater risk of homelessness.
MA Nonprofits Thank Congressman Jim McGovern for his Anti-Hunger Advocacy
MLRI joins 34 anti-hunger organizations in extending admiration and gratitude to Chairman McGovern for his ceaseless dedication to fighting food insecurity throughout his tenure in Congress. We are thankful for his championing of anti-hunger issues and pushing forward the funding that made the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health possible.
Indigenous Peoples Day 2022
Today, MLRI observes Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to celebrate and honor Native American people’s cultures and contributions. For far too long, the historical facts and present realities of indigenous communities have been obfuscated and overlooked. Despite the common narrative that relegates Indigenous peoples to the past, there are presently thousands of Indigenous people across the state fighting to survive and thrive in Massachusetts. Their contributions to society are invaluable and deserve recognition.
Gina Plata-Nino to represent MLRI at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
On Wednesday, September 28, the Biden-Harris Administration will host the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. This conference is only the second of its kind – the previous was held in 1969.
The 1969 event was critical in the creation of school lunch programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). It also led to crucial changes to how the USA labels food.
Gina Plata-Nino will be representing Mass Law Reform at Wednesday’s conference.
Frequently asked questions about the asylum seekers flown to Martha’s Vineyard on September 14
Last updated on September 21 at 11:15am
Added September 21
What legal procedures will the asylum seekers have to go through?
Asylum seekers are required to file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States. This requires filing an application for asylum and supporting documentation demonstrating that the individual qualifies for asylum – specifically that a person is outside of their country and is unable or unwilling to return for fear of persecution based on their race, religion, ethnicity, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Statement of Georgia D. Katsoulomitis, MLRI Executive Director, on the Moral Imperative of Humane Treatment for Immigrants and Refugees
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) stands in solidarity with our immigrant-serving partners and legal aid colleagues who are mobilizing to assist and support the Venezuelan asylum seekers who were sent to Martha’s Vineyard by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. MLRI and our partners will continue to support the work on the ground to care for these, and all immigrants and refugees, arriving in our Commonwealth.
Advocacy Groups Praise the Biden Administration for Protecting Access to Services for Immigrants
Media Contact:
Laura Giordano
Cell: 774-214-6410
lgiordano@melwoodglobal.com
BOSTON – Representatives from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI), Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), Health Care For All (HCFA) and Health Law Advocates (HLA) have come together to support the Biden Administration’s move to update the federal Public Charge rule, which will ensure that immigrants seeking green cards can access public benefits they are entitled to without fear of immigration consequences.