In 2023, SCJ formed a small working board of trustees to guide the organization.  A roster of approximately 80 active Pro Se Clinic volunteers, both community members and students at local universities, assist neighbors seeking asylum to complete and submit an average of 8-12 asylum applications each month, sometimes more. This past year,  several volunteers have stepped up to provide additional support so that we could meet increasing demands for assistance. 

We gratefully acknowledge the work of these outstanding individuals, as well as the untiring commitment of all of our volunteers. Their combined efforts have helped us reduce wait time in initiating assistance with asylum apps, critical during a time when our neighbors face growing uncertainty.  

• An additional Intake Worker joined the Pro Se team, bringing to three the number of  bilingual volunteers who gather initial information from our neighbors

• A Clinic Manager joined SCJ’s Clinic Coordinator in orienting and providing guidance to Pro Se teams, with plans to add additional volunteers in this critical role 

• A revamped volunteer management protocol, coordinated by an MSW Intern, has improved our efficiency in matching teams and onboarding new volunteers.  

• Additional resources for student interpreters and an accelerated proficiency assessment conducted by volunteers (Spanish language faculty at Princeton University) has helped us determine how best to use students’ Spanish skills

• A Communications Admin coordinates web development, communications, and data management   

• Student interns and volunteers have helped with key administrative functions, policy and country conditions research and more.  

• Princeton University students formed a student group to support SCJ and student volunteers 

• Donated office space at Dorothea House, for which we are sincerely grateful, internet service and a printer have enormously facilitated our work