Leadership Transition at LIA
The Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates Board of Directors announced today that Sarah Yore-VanOosterhout has formally expressed her plan to step away from her position as Advocacy Director and Managing Attorney in the coming months. This transition comes as LIA celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025 and commemorates its tremendous growth and impact over the last decade.
Yore-VanOosterhout is the organization's founder and has served in many leadership and directorial roles since 2015. At its inception, she served as one of two attorneys, the only employees at the time. The organization now boasts a robust team of four attorneys, four DOJ-accredited representatives, three legal services support team members, four non-legal staff members, and multiple interns and volunteers. This growth is a testament to Yore-VanOosterhout's dedication and vision, transforming Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates from humble beginnings into a significant force in the state's immigration law landscape.
Moving forward, LIA remains dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to the immigrant community in a time when many changes are being made to our legal system. The Board of Directors is confident that LIA's long-standing commitment to developing strong leaders has created a strong team. As a result, the office is filled with capable individuals who will maintain stability and continuity during this transition.
“We are deeply grateful for Sarah’s leadership and heart for Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates,” says Lora Kleinsasser, Board President. “Watching her grow this organization with such vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication has been an incredible privilege. She has uplifted the immigrant community in West Michigan through holistic legal advocacy, education, and a commitment to justice that has transformed countless lives. Serving alongside her has been an honor, and while we are sad to see her step away from this role, we know her passion and legacy will continue to thrive through the dedicated team she has built. Sarah’s impact will be felt for years to come, and we are forever thankful for the work she has poured into this mission.”
Among her many accomplishments, Sarah takes particular pride in two transformative achievements: developing a comprehensive legal services model that has assisted over 5,000 individuals and successfully mentoring four legal assistants through the rigorous process of becoming DOJ-accredited representatives. These achievements highlight her unwavering dedication to serving the immigrant community and her commitment to growing the next generation of immigrant advocates.