One year ago, a distraught French-speaking native of the Ivory Coast walked into the offices of Sanctuary for Families begging for help in reuniting with her kidnapped 6-year-old daughter. Her request launched a complex legal saga spanning three states and two continents.

“I had a sinking feeling and felt a tremendous sense of urgency,” said Dorchen A. Leidholdt, director of the group. “I also saw how utterly devastated the mother was and wanted very much to help her, but knew it would be hard to find a pro bono attorney.”