Leah Castelaz, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

March 5, 2026 at 3:57 PM

Inside the fight to save a lifeline for 15,000 children

Email from Children's Law Center Working together to prevent child poverty, hunger and homelessness   We’re heading into one of the toughest budget fights we’ve faced in our three decades. If DC doesn’t act during the upcoming budget season, planned changes to TANF – the District’s only cash assist…

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  Children's Law Center · [email protected]

February 9, 2026 at 5:09 PM

Winds of Change | Updates from Children's Law Center

Email from Children's Law Center Litigation and advocacy wins in education and child welfare Click to view this e-mail in your browser. With so much going on in the world – and an icestorm that we're still digging out of – it can be hard to keep up with issues you care deeply about. To help catch up…

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  Jane Adams, Board member, Children’s Law Center · [email protected]

January 16, 2026 at 4:16 PM

Celebrating Judith Sandalow – Washingtonian of the Year

Email from Children's Law Center One woman’s impact on countless children   I am thrilled to share that Children’s Law Center CEO, Judith Sandalow, has been named a Washingtonian of the Year by Washingtonian magazine. She is one of 10 leaders who are receiving this prestigious honor – one that recog…

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  Children's Law Center · [email protected]

December 31, 2025 at 3:50 PM

Help us reach our goal by midnight

Email from Children's Law Center Last chance to multiply your impact for 2025   We are so close to reaching our 2025 fundraising goal: Thank you to everyone who has helped us get this far already! Your support makes it possible for us to make lasting change through individual and systemic advocacy a…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

December 29, 2025 at 3:50 PM

We need your help today

Email from Children's Law Center Stand with children and families facing urgent challenges   Friends, Despite the challenges we faced this year and the ones I anticipate will come in 2026, I will ring in the new year with hope. Because of you. I reached out multiple times this year to share the unp…

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  Briana Walsh, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

December 23, 2025 at 3:50 PM

My request to you

Email from Children's Law Center New opportunity: multiply your impact for children and families   Friends, With just a little over a week left to achieve our fundraising goals before the end of the year, I am reaching out with a direct request: help our staff respond to the urgent needs that DC chi…

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  Tami Weerasingha-Cote, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

December 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM

These youth are challenging today’s headlines

Email from Children's Law Center Help us turn lived experience into systemic change   Princess speaks with a fellow advocate before meeting with lawmakers at the Wilson Building. Help Improve the Lives of Youth in Foster Care - Give Today! Despite what we often see in the headlines about youth crim…

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  Sierra Campbell, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

December 11, 2025 at 4:40 PM

Getting Ahead of the Next Crisis

Email from Children's Law Center Unhealthy housing and budget cuts could put DC children at risk   Give Today! Every day, I meet families who are desperate to keep their children safe and healthy. Just last week, I sat with a mother whose landlord ignored dangerous repairs that were making her young…

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  Lauren Smith, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

December 8, 2025 at 2:45 PM

At the Breaking Point: Families Need Us Now

Email from Children's Law Center Children’s Law Center is standing for families like Nadine’s   When Every Problem Reaches a Crisis Point Last week, I got an urgent call from Nadine.* Her six-year-old daughter has been in and out of the ER – and I’ve been advocating with Nadine to get her landlord t…

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  Judith Sandalow, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

November 17, 2025 at 4:14 PM

A token of our thanks

Email from Children's Law Center Grateful for you amidst this uncertainty   Dear friends, This year has been tumultuous and difficult for all DC residents. Yet the tenacity and generosity of this community have not wavered. Family, friends and neighbors have all come together to stand watch for one …

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  Jen Masi, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

October 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM

A Special Thank You During these Difficult Times

Email from Children's Law Center To our pro bono community: we appreciate you!   Friends, Attacks on the rule of law have threatened access to justice for many across our community. Thankfully, dedicated law firms and corporate partners have stepped up to provide necessary pro bono support. With mor…

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  Tracy Goodman, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

August 26, 2025 at 2:27 PM

Tremonte's triumph

Email from Children's Law Center Supporting DC students as they return to school     Friends, This week, more than 100,000 DC students returned to school. Despite the increased federal and military presence, families and community members came together to celebrate their return. It's a powerful remi…

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  LaShanda Adams, Chief Legal Officer · [email protected]

August 18, 2025 at 3:19 PM

Improving children's lives in DC - and across the country

Email from Children's Law Center Melissa Colangelo receives national Outstanding Legal Advocate award   Friends,  Last week, the National Association of Counsel for Children honored our long-time Appellate Director Melissa Colangelo as its Outstanding Legal Advocate of 2025. The appellate work …

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

July 24, 2025 at 2:35 PM

Introducing Families Together

Email from Children's Law Center Reaching children sooner amidst devastating cuts   Friends, Both the federal and DC governments are making huge cuts to programs that provide housing, food, education and health care for children and families who already face significant barriers to securing these b…

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  Erica McCollum, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

May 6, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Celebrating our Champions for Children

Email from Children's Law Center Meet this year’s winners and learn more about how you can get involved!   Friends, Especially now, amidst great uncertainty, our ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to our core values is made possible by the dedicated partnership and support of the 3,50…

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  Jen Masi, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

April 22, 2025 at 2:21 PM

Tala's superhero

Email from Children's Law Center Providing stability for children and families   Friends, Tala*, a college student with tremendous drive, was enjoying her first year at college – studying marketing and finance and still making time for art, volleyball and volunteering. But when Tala applied fo…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

April 8, 2025 at 2:06 PM

Looking back and preparing for what's next

Email from Children's Law Center Sharing and celebrating success while taking on the challenges ahead   Friends, It is bittersweet to share our 2024 accomplishments while DC faces unprecedented challenges that will impact the stability of DC families and children for generations to come. But it is …

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  Traevena Byrd, Children’s Law Center Board Chair · [email protected]

March 25, 2025 at 3:36 PM

Honoring a Phenomenal Woman

Email from Children's Law Center Celebrating Judith Sandalow's 25 Years of Leadership   As Women's History Month comes to an end, I want to recognize a woman who is still making history: Judith Sandalow. This year marks Judith's 25th anniversary as CEO of Children's Law Center. She is most often re…

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  Judith Sandalow, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

March 12, 2025 at 7:51 PM

Devastating impact of Congressional spending bill on DC children

Email from Children's Law Center Can you make some calls?   Friends, As you’ve seen in the news, Congress is moving forward with a spending bill that could override DC’s locally funded budget. This is an overreach in power that we have not seen in Children’s Law Center’s history. What does this mean…

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  Judith Sandalow, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

February 21, 2025 at 6:29 PM

Banding Together in Times of Uncertainty

Email from Children's Law Center Thankful for your support   Dear friends, 29 years ago this month, three lawyers came together because they met a young girl in the foster care system. She had been trafficked from another country and became pregnant. She needed lawyers with expertise in education, h…

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  Judith Sandalow, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

February 6, 2025 at 4:56 PM

Advice from Judge Tatel on protecting civil rights

Email from Children's Law Center A discussion about access to justice and the rule of law     Friends, Last week, I sat down with Judge David S. Tatel, who recently retired from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. He wrote about his storied career as a civil rights lawyer and as a jurist in “Vision: …

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

December 31, 2024 at 4:08 PM

A child is thriving thanks to you

Email from Children's Law Center 2x match through midnight     This year, thanks to generous friends like you, Children's Law Center: Supported more than 5,000 children and families directly across our services in family, health and education; Filed our first class-action lawsuit against the city fo…

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  Tracy Goodman, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

December 12, 2024 at 3:21 PM

FW: She wasn’t going to let the system fail her daughter

Email from Children's Law Center Join us to help students get the support they need Donate today and your gift will be matched! Multiply your impact ➜ On Tuesday we shared the story of seven-year-old Armani and her mother, Ms. Johnson, who faced incredible hurdles advocating for Armani’s education.…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

December 10, 2024 at 3:15 PM

She wasn’t going to let the system fail her daughter

Email from Children's Law Center Help us support families like the Johnsons in 2025   Help Children’s Law Center reach children like Armani so that more DC kids can thrive at school with your donation today ➜ After an early autism diagnosis, Armani had lots of support from family and her medical te…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

November 26, 2024 at 3:23 PM

Thankful for you – now more than ever

Email from Children's Law Center A gift for you in these changing times   Dear friends, Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. No matter what changes lie ahead, our commitment to DC children and families will not change. With you by our side, Children’s Law Center will continue to work …

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  Judith Sandalow, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

November 12, 2024 at 7:19 PM

Standing Together

Email from Children's Law Center The work just got harder, but we will keep fighting   Dear friends, I had planned to write you with an update on our fight to keep 2,000 families from homelessness. But then the election results came in. Two men were elected who have insulted or threatened almost eve…

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  Lacia Japp, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

September 5, 2024 at 4:11 PM

"I need to make sure she's safe..."

Fast-tracking multiple solutions to keep baby Marisa healthy     “I’m trying to set up stability for me and my baby – I need to make sure she’s safe.” – Ms. Daniels Last October, Ms. Daniels* and her baby girl Marisa got the keys to their new apartment. Ms. Daniels had found a housing program that w…

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  Kathy Zeisel, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

August 29, 2024 at 2:11 PM

Will my child’s bus show up on time?

Watching for bus disruptions at the start of school   Across the region, backpacks are bouncing up and down sidewalks again. Students are sharing summer stories with friends at the school door. Yet some families of students with disabilities are holding their breath wondering: Will my child’s bus sh…

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  Tracy Goodman, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

August 8, 2024 at 2:15 PM

Heat waves bring on a health crisis

When changing temperatures change our legal strategies This summer’s record-breaking heat is a dangerous health threat for DC families, especially when they struggle for weeks or months with broken air conditioning. Ms. Torres* has worked with Children’s Law Center for years advocating to keep her s…

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  Judith Sandalow, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

August 2, 2024 at 2:38 PM

Announcing new partnership for greener, healthier & affordable housing

$20 million federal grant to improve 750+ homes   Thousands of DC families like Ms. Hill's turn to us each year to advocate for healthier housing. When we succeed and fixes are made, the entire family can breathe a little easier. Unfortunately, even the best fixes may not be permanent – the result o…

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  Sharra E. Greer, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

June 26, 2024 at 3:09 PM

What you need to know about the DC budget.

Making sure DC children are not forgotten   You've likely seen the headlines by now. This year‘s DC budget debates were tough. When the first draft of the District's FY 2025 budget was shared, we saw several programs and services that support DC children facing significant cuts. Our team jumped into…

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  Makenna Osborn, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

June 13, 2024 at 2:27 PM

A bittersweet victory

We need systemic housing reform to protect kids' health   More than 16,000 DC children struggle with asthma – and many live in mold or pest-infested homes that make their asthma worse. It’s one of the reasons I advocate for policy changes to secure safer and healthier housing throughout DC. My adv…

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  Tracy Goodman, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

May 21, 2024 at 2:36 PM

“She’s smiling more and has so much more confidence.”

Helping Nevaeh get the right support at a critical time   Nevaeh* has never been this excited to go to school – something her grandmother, Ms. Black, couldn't have predicted at the beginning of the school year. Elementary school was fine for Nevaeh. But by middle school, she became withdrawn and an…

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  Allyson Boucher, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

May 7, 2024 at 3:26 PM

In honor of moms doing everything they can for their kids

Help us support remarkable moms today and every day   Friends, I love when a spark flickers in my daughter’s eyes – that moment something new makes sense for the first time. But I’ve also seen her frustration when the world around her is changing and not going the way she planned. And the heartbrea…

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  Erica McCollum · [email protected]

April 25, 2024 at 2:54 PM

Join us in celebrating our Champions for Children

Thank you to everyone who makes this work possible!   Earlier this month, our Executive Director Judith Sandalow shared with you our 2023 Annual Report. She noted that creating lasting solutions for complex societal issues takes expertise and hard work over many years – but we can’t leave children b…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

April 9, 2024 at 2:15 PM

A mile marker on our road to progress

Our 2023 accomplishments – thanks to your support   Friends, Creating lasting solutions to complex societal issues takes expertise and hard work over many years. Our 2023 annual report celebrates our wins along that journey. With your support, we reached 4,404 children and families through individ…

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  Kathy Zeisel, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

March 18, 2024 at 5:03 PM

Children’s Law Center files class action lawsuit

“I want my son to strive and graduate”   "It's frustrating because I just don't want my son, just because he has autism, to be a number in the class. I want him to strive and graduate with a diploma." - Ms. Joann McCray, mom of 12 year-old son Ms. McCray worries her son might not achieve his educa…

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  Melissa Colangelo, Children's Law Center · [email protected]

February 22, 2024 at 3:56 PM

A win for children and the law

DC Court of Appeals issues critical ruling on neglect cases   Every year, nearly two hundred DC children are removed from their parents and caregivers due to allegations of abuse or neglect. This initial separation can last months before the trial at which a judge determines if the child was neglect…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

January 26, 2024 at 3:15 PM

Fighting for heat in the dead of winter

Precision public health helps kids   Last winter, Adrian, Alysha and their mom, London*, faced the coldest days of the year without heat.  London was seven months pregnant when she moved with her daughter into a new apartment in August. Though her apartment should have been inspected by the city to…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

January 11, 2024 at 4:06 PM

Children's Law Center in the news

Our lawyers' tenacious advocacy makes headlines   I’m starting the new year focused on what matters most. For me, that includes the children in our community. Thinking you might also be trying to separate the wheat from the chaff, here are a few recent news stories that shined a light on problems D…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

December 29, 2023 at 3:56 PM

Double your impact -- but only through Sunday

Your support for Children’s Law Center can go twice as far if you give before the end of the year.     Before we ring in the New Year, I am reaching out one last time. Throughout December, I’ve shared stories of the children and families we’ve worked with: parents facing hurdle after hurdle to keep …

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

December 21, 2023 at 4:54 PM

Ms. George had tried everything...

Help us make the most of our match before it closes!     Despite their mother’s tenacious advocacy and their early diagnoses of autism and ADHD, Ms. George’s three sons faced significant delays in getting the educational support they needed to thrive.  We worked with Ms. George to identify the righ…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

December 12, 2023 at 3:59 PM

With your help, students like Marina can accomplish their goals

Join us to help DC students get the support they need     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, howeve…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

November 30, 2023 at 4:12 PM

Children deserve safe and healthy housing

Help expand our impact in 2024     In our nearly 30 years, we’ve worked with tens of thousands of parents and caregivers like Ms. Taylor – families facing unhealthy housing conditions that harm their children’s health: leaks that open holes in the walls, pest infestations, mold that makes it difficu…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

November 20, 2023 at 4:35 PM

Thank you for being part of our Children's Law Center community

Making space for joy in 2024   Our Children’s Law Center community is unique – a beautiful kaleidoscope of children, youth and adults with a diverse set of talents and experiences. Together, we are working toward a bold vision: a world in which all children have a strong foundation of family, health…

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  LaShanda Adams, Children’s Law Center · [email protected]

November 13, 2023 at 5:14 PM

Congratulations Tracy Goodman, Jerrold Scoutt Prize Winner

20+ years advocating for the health and safety of DC children     Last week, I had the pleasure of joining partners and supporters across the legal community to celebrate Children’s Law Center Healthy Together Director, Tracy Goodman. Tracy received the prestigious Jerrold Scoutt Prize by the DC Bar…

See More from LaShanda Adams, Children’s Law Center

  Jen Masi · [email protected]

October 19, 2023 at 2:24 PM

"I felt like there was hope."

Join us for DC Pro Bono Week October 22-28     Ms. Robertson had always been close with her niece Dayani and nephew Dhani. But when the kids were 14 and 7 years old, their mother unexpectedly became ill. The siblings moved in with Ms. Robertson. Dhani is autistic and is supported by an aide five …

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

October 5, 2023 at 2:55 PM

“I’m so thankful I get to do the same for others like me.”

Working together to increase our impact     Last Thursday, we celebrated the Children’s Law Center community at our Helping Children Soar Benefit. This community – from our staff and the parents and youth we work with to advocacy partners, policymakers, pro bono lawyers and donors – makes so much…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

September 26, 2023 at 3:16 PM

Will I see you Thursday?

Join us Thursday night for our Benefit at District Winery     On Thursday, we’ll be hosting our annual Helping Children Soar Benefit at District Winery from 6-9pm. Join us for a night of connecting with friends old and new, tasting great wines and enjoying a beautiful sunset over the Anacostia River…

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  Judith Sandalow · [email protected]

September 15, 2023 at 2:44 PM

What we can accomplish as a community

Help us make enduring change for children and families     Parents, caregivers and youth in DC’s lowest-income neighborhoods have always advocated for their families and communities. Children’s Law Center is committed to supporting their efforts for sustained change – whether it’s partnering with yo…

See More from Judith Sandalow