2024 Annual Overview
Letter from the Executive Director
In April 2024, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to support the Policy team’s advocacy with legislators on Capitol Hill in hopes of securing stronger protections for the immigrant children we serve— children who have courageously crossed borders alone, face complex courtroom proceedings without a guaranteed attorney, and too often go unheard in an immigration system that disempowers them.
After my time in DC. the unspoken yet clear message that stayed with me was immigrant rights are soon going to be too hard to fight for. With eyes already turned to the election, we sensed a growing reluctance from legislators to support immigrant children. It became unmistakably clear: people were turning away, and we were going to have to fight harder than ever. Despite those warning signs, the Young Center pushed forward in our advocacy on all fronts—on the Hill, within systems, and in individual cases.
“Progress in a deeply broken and politicized immigration system is rarely linear. Yet every step forward, every victory, reflects the strength of our community and collective will.”
-Gladis Molina Alt
In 2024, we made enormous strides. We celebrated the opening of our tenth Child Advocate Program site in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a milestone made possible by our collective strategic advocacy. We joined a coalition of immigrant rights organizations to raise $3 million to ensure that approximately 500 separated families received full legal representation at no cost. We welcomed our third cohort of fellows who participated in the Elizabeth Frankel Fellowship Program, empowering the next generation of advocates to carry forward our mission with courage and commitment. Most critically, we engaged in comprehensive contingency planning to ensure we remain strong, strategic, and ready to protect unaccompanied immigrant children, no matter what lies ahead.
All this progress happened alongside the vital work of our Child Advocate Program, through which we served a record-breaking 1,975 unaccompanied children from 53 countries, supported by nearly 5,500 volunteer hours. What follows in these pages is a deeper look at the impact we made together, powered by your partnership, your generosity, and your belief in a more just future for immigrant children.
In 2024, we saw a major breakthrough: the Department of Justice issued guidance recognizing that immigration judges must consider the expert, child-centered recommendations of our Child Advocates. It was a long-overdue validation of more than a decade of advocacy—and of children’s right to have their best interests considered. Though the guidance was rescinded under the transition of the current administration, it underscored both what’s possible when we persist, and what’s at stake when political winds shift.
Now, we are facing a painful but familiar reality – fighting to preserve many of the hard-won gains we achieved in 2024. Progress in a deeply broken and politicized immigration system is rarely linear. Yet every step forward, every victory, reflects the strength of our community and collective will. The setbacks we now face only deepen our resolve. We remain more determined than ever to fight for a system that centers the rights and best interests of immigrant children.
Together, we can and must build a future where every child is safe, supported, and free. We are deeply grateful for your support, today and in the years to come, and are so honored to have you by our side.
With Gratitude,
Gladis Molina Alt
Young Center Executive Director
MEET ELVIA
A story of strength, support, and the right to stay.
At just 17 years old, Elvia fled Central America to reunite with her mother thousands of miles away in the United States.
2024 Young Center Highlights
In a year of shifting policies and rising challenges, we stayed rooted in our mission, showing up for immigrant children and their families day in and day out.
Immigration Courts Critically Reimagine Children’s Proceedings
The Department of Justice releases guidance reflecting over a decade of our advocacy to fundamentally change the courtrooms in which children carry the burden to prove that they are eligible for protection.
“All immigration judges now have a duty to consider the expertise of our Child Advocates.”
– Jennifer Nagda, Chief Policy Officer
Young Center Leads $3 Million Fundraiser to provide 500+ separated families with access to full legal representation, at no cost
“Separated families deserve a fair shot at justice… We’re doing everything in our power to meet this critical need.
– Kelly Albinak Kribs, Co-Director, Technical Assistance Program
Executive Director Inspires at University of Illinois, Chicago
Delivers a lecture on policy changes that can meet newcomers with generosity, trust, and support.
“The choice to trust and be generous is always ours.”
– Gladis Molina Alt, Executive Director
Policy Advocacy Leads to Grand Rapids Site Opening marking the opening of our 10th site nationwide!
“This expansion reflects the Young Center’s commitment to serve more children than ever before.”
– Olivia Pena and Marisa Chumil,
Co-Directors, Child Advocate Program
Young Center Policy Team Works to Advance the Children’s Safe Welcome Act
A bill that centers children’s rights in immigration policy—from promoting family unity to holistic support for children in detention.
Young Center Releases Report & Webinar on Ending Child Exploitation
Watch the webinar here
Authored by Dr. Ivon Padilla-Rodriguez, the Young Center highlights systemic failures that lead to migrant child labor and hosts a webinar to shift the narrative toward child-centered solutions.
Victory for Baby Doe in Afghan Adoption Case
Following an amicus brief filed by the Young Center, the organization welcomes a Virginia court’s decision to void the unlawful adoption of an Afghan child taken from her family by a U.S. Marine in 2021 in support of family reunification based on the child’s best interests.
First Border Educational Experience Led by Executive Director
“I will forever treasure my border educational experience as a lesson on the importance of contradictions. So often associated with death, the border is a wellspring of life. From our staff at our Harlingen office to the folks at the Sidewalk School, the Rio Grande Valley holds countless examples of kindness despite the border’s militarization. While there is grief, joy is never far behind.”
– Meghan Jorgensen, Chief Development & External Affairs Officer
Staff Convenes in El Paso, TX & 4th Annual Waymakers Race
Over 300 participants across 28 states and three countries logged 13,358 miles—raising $39,285 to support immigrant children and honor the legacy of Elizabeth Frankel.
Fall Child Advocate Trainings Conclude with 19 Total Sessions in 2024
Participants reflected a wide range of ages, races, religions, immigration backgrounds, and community roles. After completing federal and state background checks, volunteers were matched to cases, ready to walk alongside immigrant children.
Preparing for the Road Ahead for Immigrant Families, Children, and Youth
Watch the webinar here
The Young Center hosted a post-election webinar to examine how the outcome would affect immigrant children—and how we’ll continue advocating to keep them safe, free, and in community.
Young Center prepares for 2025
With changes to the federal administration on the horizon, we review our 5-year strategic plan and focus on strengthening our programs, advocacy, and infrastructure to ensure we’re ready to defend immigrant children’s rights, no matter what lies ahead.
“I’ve had the opportunity to provide guidance, encouragement, and support to youth who were once in the same situation I was in as an unaccompanied minor who arrived in the U.S. at 14 years old.”
– Jorge Sandoval,
Young Center Volunteer Child Advocate
Here’s what your support made possible in 2024
Behind the Scenes: How Quickly Can You Call A Loved One
Inside the Fight to Reconnect Families Separated by Immigration Policy
The Young Center is immensely grateful to Jacqueline Alcántara for generously contributing her artwork to this year’s Annual Report. We are also thankful to our community and our Board of Directors for their support.