Immigrants with legal representation have a vastly higher chance of achieving a favorable outcome in court — but only 37% secure legal representation in removal cases. Between 2018 and 2019, the Cambridge Community Foundation granted $255,000 to four local legal services organizations to bolster their low- or no-cost support of immigrants in our communities. In March of 2019, in partnership with the mayors of Cambridge and Somerville, we renamed the fund from the Cambridge Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants, marking the extension of our efforts to include Somerville. We couldn't do this important work without the generous support of hundreds of residents who have dedicated time and money since the creation of the fund in March 2018.

With heavy hearts, we share the news that Betty Bardige, our former board chair at the Cambridge Community Foundation, passed away on November 24. We remember Betty as a wonderful leader, community member, and friend. She dedicated her life to making the world, and especially Cambridge, better for all children. About Betty: A life of impact Betty Bardige served as a Cambridge Community Foundation board director for 18 years, with six of those years as board president. She also chaired many committees for the Foundation and served on the City’s Kids’ Council. A mother of three, Betty did not leave her parenting skills at home. Much of Betty’s work contributed to the creation of the Agenda for Children and the Foundation’s role in building public-private partnerships aimed at sharing best practices and enhancing educational opportunities. Her expertise was invaluable in building initiatives for after-school programs, school readiness, and infant and toddler care. She was instrumental in starting the Center for Families in North Cambridge and was an active Tobin School parent. Betty also chaired the A.L. Mailman Family Foundation, a national foundation focused on early childhood. She spent most of her professional life as