About Us
Our Story
The Christian Immigration Advocacy Center (CIAC, pronounced kai-ak) is a faith-based nonprofit providing trusted immigration legal services in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a Department of Justice recognized organization, we offer affordable, high-quality legal support to immigrants and refugees navigating one of the most complex legal systems in the world.
Rooted in the belief that every person is made in the image of God and worthy of dignity and justice, CIAC stands in the gap for those who cannot afford private legal counsel. With compassion and cultural humility, we walk alongside individuals and families as they seek safety, stability, and a future full of hope.
Our History
Missional outreach efforts by Allegheny Center Alliance Church on Pittsburgh’s North Side laid the foundation for CIAC, as acts of welcome gave rise to a pursuit of justice through legal support. As relationships deepened, so did the awareness of a critical need: reliable, low-cost immigration legal aid.
What began as a grassroots effort by a few dedicated volunteers evolved into a vision for lasting impact. In 2018, after a long and determined process, CIAC became formally recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and was granted 501(c)(3) status. Since then, we have served thousands of clients with integrity, excellence, and compassion, offering hope through legal aid and support along the journey.
Our Mission
Provide high-quality legal services in a compassionate, incarnational, and culturally-appropriate way and empower churches to serve their sojourner neighbors well through collaborative partnerships.
Our Vision
Advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ by loving refugees and immigrants, and enabling churches to welcome their sojourner neighbors.
Meet Our Team
Amber Blair
President
Rogerio Torres
Ministry Director
Chelsy Gevas
Senior Staff Attorney
Jessica Weaver
Senior Accredited Rep.
Rosa Alvarez
Accredited Rep.
Hwan Palmer
Accredited Rep.
Soraya Torres
Intake/Paralegal Specialist
Kathy Molnar
Admin Assistant
. . . every once in a while, in the lives of individuals, neighborhoods, cities or human organizations, something happens — something is founded — which is wholly necessary and wholly good. CIAC is such an event, and such an organization.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
It may be a small organization, but the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center (CIAC), located in Pittsburgh’s Northside, does big work.
Ashlee Green
Northside Chronicle