SEPA Mujer, Services for the Advancement of Women is a community-based not for profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of Latina immigrant women through education and advocacy, legal rights and leadership skills training, and community organizing. The organization was formed in November 1993 by Long Island women, both immigrants and advocates, in response to the need of Latina immigrant women to educate, support and organize in order to improve their condition as one of the most vulnerable groups on Long Island and in the country.
For over 20 years, SEPA Mujer has trained community organizations and public agencies on special immigrant relief under the Violence Against Women Act, facilitated workshops on community organizing and other topics relevant to the community, and worked with service providers and law enforcement to appropriately respond to the needs of Latinas. SEPA Mujer focuses its legal services on relief for immigrant survivors of violence, and provides free legal representation and referrals to support battered immigrant women in leaving abusive relationships.