As we continue our sunsetting process, our staff members are also transitioning away from CCBF. We recently said farewell to two of our full-time staff members, Michelle Velazquez and Christina Lorenzo, as well as our social work intern, Bernie Sponberg-Paraday. We want to share some highlights of their work and celebrate what they accomplished as part of the CCBF team. 

Michelle Velazquez was on staff with CCBF from January 2022 to May 2024. They started as the Legal Advocacy Coordinator and were promoted to Data and Legal Advocacy Coordinator in 2023. Michelle managed the flow of requests for assistance to pay bond, coordinating with volunteers and navigating system actors in our efforts to free individuals from jail and ensure their successful return to their communities. Michelle’s commitment to community engagement was regularly demonstrated in their support of CCBF’s efforts to further our relationship with the Latine community. It is through their efforts that we were able to expand the Spanish language workshops, events, and training with individuals we had bonded out and with community partners. During their time at CCBF, they also worked to obtain a Master’s in Public Policy and specialization in Data Analytics, which greatly improved our ability to work with and organize internal data. We wish Michelle all the best as they continue their journey beyond CCBF. Thank you, Michelle!

Christina Lorenzo was on staff with CCBF from January 2020 to July 2024. Christina started as our Intake Coordinator and was promoted to Post-Release Support Coordinator in 2023. Christina was one of our longest tenured folks at CCBF, as she was a volunteer long before joining staff. She remained resolute in the level of care and dedication she gave to the people we support and the work of the organization. Christina was fabulous at onboarding new people and leading the Revolving Fund team, and she developed an amazing knowledge of the legal system and how to navigate the ins and outs. Through zealous advocacy and immense care for the people we serve, she has provided substantial support through court call reminders, rides to court, rent support, housing, mitigation letters, and court advocacy. She accompanied folks through all kinds of life situations and brought her compassionate spirit to each interaction. We wish you great things in whatever comes next, Christina. Thank you so much!

Bernie Sponberg-Paraday was our first social work intern from September 2023 to June 2024. She supported CCBF and Christina with post-release work in the midst of us transitioning towards sunsetting. Bernie’s help was vital in reaching out and helping people navigate the systems while fighting their case. Due to her creativity and passion we were able to finalize a resource guide for folks looking for assistance with food, housing, and other services. Our success in winding down the revolving funds public programming is due greatly to Bernie’s assistance. We wish you the best in your continued studies. Thank you Bernie!