At VECINA, we’re in awe of our volunteers’ compassion and dedication—champions who stand up for immigrants when they need it most. To recognize their incredible efforts, we’re launching a new tradition: each month, we’ll highlight one volunteer who has gone above and beyond.
We begin with Dawn Burns, a volunteer attorney who has been an unwavering advocate for immigrant families since she signed up with VECINA in the spring of 2021. Through VECINA’s ReUnite Project, Dawn has represented 32 sponsors – the adult loved ones of immigrant children detained by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) – in reuniting 36 children with those who care for them. These children, aged 2 to 17, came from 13 different countries, and their sponsors spoke 9 different languages. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they all shared one need: someone to fight for them. Dawn answered that call.
Dawn’s impact extends beyond the ReUnite Project. She’s taken on humanitarian parole and multiple adjustment of status cases, helping Afghan newcomers secure stability in the U.S. She’s been a fierce advocate for Afghan families seeking permanent residency, ensuring they can move forward with dignity and hope.
Dawn’s path to immigration law is inspiring. A former family law attorney, she paused her career to raise her two sons while continuing to give back to her community. Volunteering with a local organization serving immigrant families opened her eyes to the realities of those seeking safety in the U.S. When she discovered VECINA, she worried her lack of immigration law experience might limit her impact—but she took the leap anyway. With VECINA’s training and mentorship, she quickly became an indispensable force for good.
“I am grateful to continue volunteering for VECINA because my work is very rewarding and allows me to have an important impact on the people who, especially now, need help the most,” said Dawn.
Dawn, we see you, we celebrate you, and we thank you. Your compassion, determination, and commitment to justice inspire us all. You remind us that one person can truly change the world, one family at a time.
Please join us in honoring Dawn Burns, our first Volunteer of the Month!
#VolunteerOfTheMonth #ImmigrantJustice #FamiliesBelongTogether #ReUniteProject #AdjustmentOfStatus #BuildBridgesNotWalls #EmpowerChangemakers