Marina Jeffries* has known since 9th grade that she’s going to be an attorney when she grows up. In middle school, she thought she might want to be President, but she's figured out that as a lawyer she might get more done.

Last winter, however, she faced a tremendous setback. In November, four seniors jumped her in the hallway and gave her a concussion. 



Marina was treated for her injuries but developed post-concussion symptoms including migraines and eye pain that lasted for six months. Marina had panic attacks going back into the building where it happened. It increased her existing anxiety. Her grades started to drop.  

Some of Marina’s teachers refused to take her symptoms seriously. The school threatened to pull the college credit she’d earned if she didn’t participate in mediation with the students who attacked her.  

“She shows up every day because she loves learning, and she has a goal to make,” Ms. Jeffries said. “Being a native Washingtonian, and a Black child from Ward 8, the odds are already against you.” 

Every year, we work with hundreds of students navigating health issues to ensure they get the right support to achieve their goals. Help Children’s Law Center reach children like Marina so that more DC kids receive the educational accommodations they deserve.

Ms. Jeffries contacted Children’s Law Center, and together we successfully advocated for accommodations to meet Marina’s medical needs and a safety plan for her senior year. Now, she’s on track to graduate this year with her high school diploma and an associate’s degree.   

With your support, we advocate for students like Marina individually and through systemic reforms to benefit all DC public school students. Please help more students and families like the Jeffrieses by making a first gift, which will be matched dollar for dollar! ^  

With gratitude, 

Judith Sandalow

Executive Director

PS. If your employer is participating in our Champions for Children campaign, your gift also counts toward your team’s total!



*We always provide clients the option to change their names when sharing their story. Pseudonyms have been used at the family’s request. All other details are true. Learn more about Marina and Ms. Jeffries here.

^Thanks to the Chip and Vicky Magid Fund donors, eligible gifts will be matched up to a combined $150,000 through 12/31/23.