Courting Justice Podcast - Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic Ashley Caveda

In this episode of Courting Justice, host Ashley Caveda speaks with Mike Bowling from Englewood CDC and David Cederquist from Brookside CDC, along with Clinic Executive Director Chris Purnell. Together, they address the above questions and share their stories of relational ministry within their communities, as well as the pitfalls of gentrification and how true community development can combat them.

In 2011, according to the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention & Prevention, 24% of all people experiencing homelessness were under the age of 24. In 2014, there were 354 homeless youth just in the Indianapolis area alone. What are the causes of youth homelessness? What are the unique challenges faced by homeless youth? And what services are available to assist those in need?

In this episode of Courting Justice, guest host and Clinic Executive Director Chris Purnell speaks with Outreach, Inc. CEO Eric Howard, and Clinic Homeless Youth Justice Program Manager Ben Hayes. Together, they address the above questions and share their stories of working with homeless youth and helping them on the path to greater stability.

According to Brackets For Good co-founder, Matt Duncan, fundraising should be fun! How has the Indianapolis-based charitable organization helped to transform the landscape of nonprofit fundraising? What role does innovation play in the future of fundraising? And how have such efforts allowed Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic to use humor and creativity to capture the attention of new donors?Along with Clinic Executive Director Chris Purnell, Matt and his colleague Reid McDowell answer these questions and share humorous stories about their brackets-style competition and the fundraising madness that has raised over $6.35 million dollars for nonprofit organizations nationwide.

What are common misconceptions about the IRS? What tips do you need to know to avoid tax scams? And what can you do if you become the victim of a tax scam or identity theft? In this episode of Courting Justice, senior staff attorney and Director of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Dee Dee Gowan joins Betsy Isenberg, Director of the Consumer Protection Division at the Office of the Indiana Attorney General, in answering these questions. Together, they share stories of memorable cases, the most common tax scams they encounter through their work, and how the Legal Clinic and the Office of the Indiana Attorney General can assist consumers during and after the tax season.

Who is protected by Fair Housing laws? What are the most common misconceptions people have regarding their landlord/tenant rights? What can you do if you face a housing issue of some kind? In this episode of Courting Justice, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana Amy Nelson and Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic Staff Attorney Chase Haller answer these questions and share their expertise. Special thanks to state-wide disability advocacy organization Fifth Freedom for asking such great questions regarding disability rights and Fair Housing!

What kinds of things might bar a refugee or immigrant from entering the United States? What is our obligation as a UN nation to helping refugees? And what role does faith play in providing services to them? In Part 2 of our special two-part series on Immigration and Refugees, Director of Outreach & Immigration Services at Exodus Refugee Megan Hochbein and Immigrant Justice Program Staff Attorney Rachel Van Tyle answer these questions and share some of their favorite moments working with refugees.