A Voice for Youth in Family Court and Beyond
One of American Savings Foundation’s first grants in 1996 went to a small, grass-roots organization, the Children’s Law Center of Connecticut.
About Children’s Law Center of Connecticut
As a young organization, the Children's Law Center of Connecticut (CLC) didn’t have a lot of other funding sources, but it did have a mission to help children who don’t have anyone else standing up for their best interests in the court system.
That first grant of $3,000 helped launch CLC’s Children’s Law Line, a free help line that answers questions and provides information and referrals with regards to legal issues affecting children. In the years since, the Foundation has supported their Legal Representation Program, protecting the interests of children involved in high-conflict family court cases
Over the years, American Savings Foundation’s support for the agency has helped the Children’s Law Center expand and sustain their services in both New Britain and Waterbury. In 2024 CLC served 1,423 children - 631 children in 422 families through the Legal Representation Program, 70 children in 47 families through Families in Transition, and 722 children through 513 calls to the Children's Law Line.
Artila Lubonja, ASF Scholar 2006
Attorney Artila Tasho has a long history with the American Savings Foundation. In 2006, as a sophomore in college, Artila applied for and received an American Savings Foundation Scholarship.
Through the scholarship, Artila had an opportunity to hold a paid summer internship conducting follow-up surveys for the Children’s Law Line. As part of the internship, she was able to shadow CLC’s attorneys in the courtroom and learn first-hand how their work impacts the lives of children and families.
“The benefit to a child of having a meaningful relationship with both parents cannot be overlooked. CLC works tirelessly to ensure the parents are healthy, responsible, and caring individuals to protect a child’s physical safety and emotional security. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than making a difference in the life of a child.” – Artila Lubonja
The experience fueled Artila’s enthusiasm to one day work with and protect children through the court system. After completing Law School, Artila returned to CLC, where she was a staff attorney for seven years. She is now a Family Law Attorney continuing to serve the community of Waterbury as a Founding Partner at The Law Office of Miller & Tasho. Artila also now serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and as Chair of the Scholarship Committee.