Guest post by Shantih Kleen
Wonder how NLADA VISTA members actually expand holistic defense? Interested in becoming a host site or a VISTA member yourself? Read on to learn more about the day to day of our program and host sites.
Latest from VISTA
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Luis began his service at the Office of the Appellate Defender in NYC in August, focusing on bringing community resources for clients reentering society. Below, he talks about the importance of relationship building and advocacy for clients while they are incarcerated.
Friday, October 9, 2020
Two NLADA AmeriCorps members started the inaugural VISTA program in the Pima County Public Defense Services in August. Below, Jessica, explains the history of the county as a borderland and the importance of public defense within Arizona’s specific judicial environment.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
As the Connecticut Division of Public Defenders Services (CDPD) enters their second year of AmeriCorps NLADA VISTA programming, they are continuing the court outreach started by Tyler, the 2019 VISTA member, with COVID-19 safety protocols. Read on to hear how Nichele is assistating CDPD with outdoor events to help people find information about their case and apply for legal assistance. >
Friday, October 2, 2020
Dametrick and the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender are both back for year two as part of the NLADA AmeriCorps program. Read on to learn why the capacity building and partnerships are key to Cook County expanding holistic defense.
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
The Orleans Public Defender Office was one of our first host sites, first focusing on building better data systems. As they begin their third year with NLADA AmeriCorps VISTA members, they have built stronger community relations across New Orleans and use the data reports NLADA AmeriCorps members create to show how the partnerships assist their clients. Daniel Goldstein, a Community Partnerships member, explains below how Hurricane Katrina pushed the city to make important changes to follow best practices for holistic public defense.
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
The Office of the Appellate Defender (OAD) in New York City is partnering with NLADA VISTA for a third year of building partnerships to strengthen holistic defense. Alexandra Macdonald started service at OAD in August to build up their data and tracking systems. Read on to learn why her service matters to the NYC community.
Monday, September 21, 2020
Maisy Menzies began serving at in Contra Costa County, California in August. Read on to learn how Contra Costa is addressing their clients’ needs and how AmeriCorps VISTA is plugging in to get things done.
This year, I’m serving in the Richmond office of the Contra Costa Public Defenders. These public defenders are known for being at the forefront of progressive representation for their clients through innovative projects and community advocacy.
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Logan Montel began her service in Pima County, Arizona in August. Read on to hear how her childhood and college experiences prepared her to serve.
Monday, September 14, 2020
12 new VISTA members started August 2020 and we are excited for you to meet them! This cohort is starting primarily serving from home with all the challenges of COVID ahead. Even with starting a new position remotely, they are diving in to learn about their host site and community and creatively building partnerships and data systems to fit our new normal. Below, meet Batya, our Grants System VISTA serving in Santa Barbara, CA.
