AIJN provided funding for Mercedes and her daughter's legal representation, our volunteers provided rides to legal appointments, and AIJN staff helped them attend virtual hearings.

Mercedes and her daughter were granted asylum in 2025. She told us that for two weeks, she could not stop looking at her papers in awe, disbelief, and gratitude. Their lives will be changed forever.

*Names and photos changed for client privacy and safety

Legal Representation, Due Process, and Justice with AIJN

Annapolis Immigration Justice Network (AIJN) connects vulnerable members in our community to immigration attorneys. For many families, finding reliable legal representation can mean the difference between staying together and being separated, between building a future here and facing deportation. AAWGT’s grant has brought hope and stability to five women in Anne Arundel County. These are women who have already survived unimaginable challenges. They are asylum seekers who fled persecution in their home countries and survivors of domestic abuse seeking safety. Without legal help, they would be facing a daunting immigration system alone. Because of AAWGT’s grant, these women and their children have trusted, high quality, legal representation. AAWGT’s support has been instrumental in AIJN’s work, especially during a time when our community needs it most. With a surge of immigration enforcement, AIJN has been able to swiftly connect our neighbors to legal representation. For these urgent cases, legal representation isn't just helpful, it's critical to ensuring due process.

The Lasting Impact of AAWGT

AIJN began in 2017 as a group of volunteers working to help their immigrant neighbors. And while the first 5 years, AIJN was a 100% volunteer run organization, the group knew they wouldn’t be able to keep up with growing needs. AAWGT’s grants have helped AIJN have the impact it has today.

Grants and Grants Systems had a very busy start to the new year. We wrapped up the 2026 Grants submission process which closed on January 31st. We also held online guidance sessions to help nonprofit administrators apply for a portion of AAWGT’s record-breaking $262,913 in grants funding this year. We’re delighted to report that we received 59 grant applications from a diverse group of nonprofits making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families in our area. Of that number, 17 are from first time applicants. We are excited to partner with our 69 Team Leaders and Reviewers who begin their work later this month. After that, it’s up to each team to review, discuss and identify those initiatives that best align with AAWGT’s mission. And in May, it all comes down to you—our members—who will cast the final votes!

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree is exemplified in Bridget Shanley. She is currently studying finance and information systems at Loyola University in Baltimore. Bridget is active in the Honors Business Program and is captain of the women’s volleyball team. She says she loves to plan events and be creative and is using those skills in her involvement with AAWGT’s Young Philanthropists program. She is excited to welcome more young women into the organization and sees herself as a future leader because she hopes to live out her values in giving back to the community.

With over 400 members, we have a wonderful pool of talented women volunteering on committees. Come join us; there's always room for more helping hands. Friends, become a member! Members, please reach out to share your hidden talents or offer suggestions. This is our collective giving circle, and we truly value and need your participation.