Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center

Jan 29th, 2024

Nov 3rd, 2023

Sep 11th, 2023

Jun 13th, 2023

I am an Attorney representing an individual currently sheltered at this organization. We have a signed release to communicate with this organization regarding "ALL INFORMATION" through all means even "IN PERSON ''. My client is a vulnerable victim of domestic violence who is also seeking asylum in the United States due to persecution in her home country. Due to my client seeking shelter, my client did not have a mailing address and a copy of an important notice from the Department of Homeland Security arrived at my office. I had a member of my staff hand deliver the notice to my client housed in this shelter as per the signed release stating all information could be exchanged between our organizations - even in person. While my staff member was delivering the copy of the important documents from the Department of Homeland Security for an appointment with DHS Officials the following week, a member of the Blackstone staff accosted both my client and a member of my staff. The next morning my client was given notice that she would be forced out of the shelter within 5 calendar days - her only transgression being that she had a sanctioned delivery from her Attorney. When I attempted to call the shelter I raised the issue and the individual stonewalled me stating they couldn't discuss anything that goes on in the facility even though I identified myself as an Attorney for a resident. I produced the signed release at which point I was told I would receive a callback. Some time later I reached out to the Director of the organization and left a voicemail - no response. It is now the weekend and my client has not received any further updates of whether or not she will be forced out of the shelter due to accepting vital documents from her Attorney. The conduct of this shelter is both abusive towards my client and unprofessional. The lack of response to my inquiry is equally unprofessional. I believe that the shelter is prejudiced as the member of my staff who delivered the paperwork is an immigrant herself and the shelter did not believe that she worked at a law office. I am disappointed that such a serious matter has been blown off before the weekend and that my staff was discriminated against. Over the course of my career representing hundreds of victims of abuse, femicide, ethnic cleansing, and political dissidents I have never had such an experience with an organization meant to protect people. My client will be homeless in just a matter of days. This organization has my phone number and email address. I have spent my Friday trying to get in contact with someone who actually has authority in this organization. I am leaving a Google review to get somebodies attention. I am awaiting a response.
Feb 15th, 2023