Protecting immigrant families starts with clear information and a plan. At the Espíritu Latino Immigration Conference, the Legal Rights and Economic Opportunity panel shared practical guidance. Erin Sweeney (@RutgersLaw) discussed rights in public and private spaces, the right to remain silent, and power-of-attorney planning for parents. Ingrid Echeverria warned about immigration scams by people who are not qualified to provide legal advice. Yeurys Pujols (@HudsonCCC) highlighted trusted resources for students and the importance of an emergency plan. Maria Betancur discussed legal help with education, housing, and public benefits. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport @NewJerseyOAG spoke about the state’s model policies for sensitive locations and her office’s work to investigate fraudulent legal practitioners. Thank you to panelists Ingrid Echeverria, Franklin Montero, Yeurys Pujols, Erin Sweeney, and Maria Betancur, and to Attorney General Davenport for joining the conference.

This month, NJRC celebrated our graduates of the 2026 Summer Training Institute, in partnership with @NJCommColleges and @HudsonCCC, including Cheryl. Cheryl is a stroke survivor living with right-side paralysis; she was moved by the toll of substance use in her community. Cheryl completed her training and is now a peer recovery specialist. Graduates earned industry-recognized credentials in construction, healthcare, and digital literacy. The Governor's Reentry Training and Employment Center has achieved a 98 percent completion rate, a 72 percent employment rate, and a recidivism rate of 14.01%, verified by NJSP. Thank you to Mayor Carol Jean Doyle of Kearny, Assemblyman @asmverrelli, Assistant Director Andre Hardy of @NJLaborDept, President Aaron Fichtner of NJCCC, and President Lisa Dougherty of HCCC for honoring our graduates. Congratulations, Class of 2026. Second Chances can become lasting change.