De Novo Center for Justice and Healing

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What are your organization’s guiding values? 
Grounded in human dignity and social justice, De Novo is guided by a deep commitment to compassionate, client‑driven care. Our work is shaped by interdisciplinary collaboration, strong community partnerships, and the power of volunteerism, alongside an unwavering focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, integrity, staff well‑being, and innovation to meet the evolving needs of our community.

What are the ongoing services or programs that Enroot provides?

• We provide an integrated continuum of legal, mental health, and supportive services for low‑income residents of Greater Boston. Our ongoing programs are designed to address both the immediate and long‑term needs of individuals and families affected by trauma, displacement, and human rights violations. Both our legal and counseling services are provided free of charge. 
• Our Legal Program offers direct representation and advocacy in housing stability, family law and domestic violence cases, immigration relief, and access to disability benefits. For many clients, this legal support is foundational to achieving safety and stability.
• Our Counseling Program provides confidential individual and group psychotherapy focused on trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and empowerment to uninsured and underinsured individuals. We also offer specialized, culturally responsive mental health care for survivors of torture, victims of crime, and individuals impacted by war and persecution, including those navigating the challenges of resettlement in the United States.
• Through our Center for Global Human Rights and Resilience, we deliver specialized services that bridge mental health and legal advocacy. These include forensic psychological evaluations and expert court testimony for different types of humanitarian relief.
• Our case management services connect clients to essential resources such as medical care, victim compensation, food and clothing assistance, English and GED classes, and employment services—ensuring a holistic approach that supports healing, independence, and long‑term well-being.
• De Novo is a proud member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs (NCTTP) and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), reflecting our sustained commitment to high‑quality, survivor‑centered care.

Do you have any upcoming projects or initiative that you would like others to know about?

• Our monthly Family Law Clinic offers free brief legal advice on key family law issues, including divorce, custody, child support, parentage, and parenting time. The clinic is held on the third Monday of every month from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS). See additional details
• In collaboration with the City of Cambridge, our monthly Immigration Legal Screening Clinic provides free legal consultations on a wide range of immigration issues. Community members can request a consultation by calling (617) 405 5479. Consultations are provided virtually on the third Wednesday of each month. Click here for more information.
• Our  Housing Unit delivers a weekly “Lawyer for the Day” Clinic every Friday from 8:30 am-1 pm at the Eastern Housing Court—Middlesex Session (located in Somerville District Court). Unrepresented tenants can receive free, real-time legal advice and information, help filling out forms, and, in some cases, limited representation. This service is provided on a walk-in basis. 

Share a recent story that embodies the work of your organization. 
Growing up in Jamaica, Andre faced unrelenting violence because of who he is. As a gay, disabled man, he was relentlessly bullied at school, violently abused by his stepfather, and harassed by neighbors and police. By adulthood, the danger escalated—Andre was attacked repeatedly, lived in constant fear, and watched close friends lose their lives to homophobic violence. “I used to have to run for my life all the time,” he recalls. At just 28 years old, Andre made the agonizing decision to flee his home country in search of safety. Despite the trauma he endured, Andre’s resilience shone through. As a child enrolled in a school for students with intellectual disabilities, he found refuge and confidence through sports. He went on to become a two‑time Jamaican national champion in the Special Olympics and competed in World Games in China and South Korea—his first experiences of life without fear. During a Special Olympics visit to Florida in 2013, Andre saw for the first time what it looked like to live openly and safely as a gay man. “I felt like I had arrived in the promised land,” he said. “I finally felt safe.” After connecting with the LGBT Asylum Task Force, Andre was matched with a host family and referred to De Novo for legal representation. His asylum journey was long and fraught—his case languished in the asylum backlog for nine years and was marked by serious systemic failures, including the denial of critical disability accommodations. His experience was so troubling that it was later highlighted in a Human Rights First report on barriers faced by immigrants with disabilities. Through every setback, De Novo remained steadfast, ensuring Andre’s voice was heard and advocating relentlessly for justice. When his asylum was finally granted, Andre stepped out of the courthouse and shouted, “I finally have my freedom!” Today, Andre has found safety, community, and the freedom to live authentically. He celebrates Pride, shares his life openly, and dreams of pursuing his passion for cooking through a culinary program.

Visit De Novo's website