Step Forward Foundation is a
non-profit organization providing
specialized legal services to
low income communities.

Join our cause - donate today.
Source: domesticviolencestatistics.org

Domestic violence is the
leading cause of injury to
women—more than car accidents,
muggings, and rapes combined.

Your donation helps.
Domestic Violence doesn't only happen to adults.

40% of girls age 14 - 17 report
knowing someone their age who
has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.

1 in 5 female high school students
reports being physically or sexually
abused by a dating partner.

You can be part of the solution - donate now.
Source: Rainn.org, DOJ National Crime Victimization Survey

There are an average of 237,868
victims of rape and sexual assault
each year.

You can be part of the solution - donate now.

Immigration law

We provide free and low cost immigration representation to families and victims of violence.

U Visa (Victim of certain crimes)
T Visa (Victim of human trafficking)
VAWA (Battered spouse of USC or LPR)
Asylum (Fear of return to home country)
SIJS (Unaccompanied minors)
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
Family petitions
Green Card Renewal
Deportation Defense

Family Law

We offer free and low cost limited scope family court services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

Divorce
Child Custody
Contested Restraining Orders
Child/Spousal Support

Caseload Snapshot

*As of August 2017

Meet our Team

Front (left to right): Sarai Chavarria, Karen Schulz, Azucena Gonzalez
Back (left to right): Nathalie Lezama Ferro, Derek Elder, Stephanie Aguirre

Karen Schulz, Managing Attorney practicing Immigration
Azucena Gonzalez, DOJ Accredited Representative
Derek Elder, Staff Attorney practicing Immigration
Stephanie Aguirre, Staff Attorney practicing Immigration and Family Law
Maria Ochoa, Paralegal (not pictured)
Sarai Chavarria, Legal Assistant
Nathalie Lezama Ferro, Of Counsel practicing Family Law
Ruth Silver-Taube, Of Counsel practicing Employment Law (not pictured)

How can we help you?

Our Partners

South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking