Rachel Rutter, Project Libertad

2024 TOP 5 CNN HERO

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While working as an attorney representing immigrant children, Rachel Rutter saw the severe gap between legal and social services that her young clients faced. There was a lack of basic needs like food, housing, medical care, and mental health support. So, in 2015, Rachel formed her own nonprofit, Project Libertad, to fill those gaps of need, provide free legal representation, and give social, emotional, and academic support to help migrant youth heal from trauma and build new lives. The organization has since helped more than 1,100 individuals, representing more than 90 children in immigration cases.

Check out Rachel Rutter's full story on CNN.com.