The Latest News & Updated from the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. | |
GAL Bike Give-Away Event
The Bike Fairy Returns
Earlier this month, the Legal Aid Society’s Guardian Ad Litem Program held a successful bike give-away event for youth with an open judicial dependency case here in Orange County, Florida. Thanks to Kathy Downs and our many volunteers, so many children were able to take home a new bike and even a free bike lesson.
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Prepped in sneakers, sportswear, and a cap for protection, Kathy Downs (The Bike Fairy) spent almost the entire morning teaching a young girl how to ride a bike. Running from one end of the parking lot to the next, Downs was faced with a huge challenge: trying to catch every stumble to ensure the girl’s safety while giving her enough space to ride freely. Nonetheless, they both remained focused and determined to get the job done. Onlookers could hear Downs encouraging the young girl, saying, "You can do this!" and "Don't give up!". After a few tries, this young girl was finally able to take her victory lap across the parking lot. Witnesses on the sidewalk cheered loudly as she rode flawlessly past them. A huge grin stretched across Kathy's face while she proudly looked on. | |  |
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They don’t call her the "Bike Fairy" for nothing. Over the years, Kathy has collected thousands of bikes for children in need. She works closely as a volunteer for the Legal Aid Society and has demonstrated her passion for helping children for a long time. We are grateful for dedicated volunteers like Kathy Downs here at the Legal Aid Society and are always open to welcoming more.
If you know of a child in Orange County with an open dependency case who needs a bike, please contact Kathy Downs at kathleen.downs@roberthalf.com. If you are also interested in becoming a volunteer advocate for children (VAC) with the Legal Aid Society, contact us at 407-841-8310 or email Info@legalaidocba.org.
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We would like to extend a special thank you to all the volunteers who came and contributed to this event. To the GAL staff, Kathy Downs, the Cushman Wakefield team, Kyle's Bike Shop, The Bike Men of Flagler County, Jim McGrath and Allison with Trek Bikes, Carestream USA, Rusty's Bicycle Shop, TriCity Electrical Contractors, and Michael Waranch, THANK YOU! | |
It's Official! Congratulations Tenesia! | |
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Legal Aid's Litigation Director Named Secretary for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar
On June 22, Tenesia Hall was officially voted in as the secretary for the 2023–24 Executive Committee for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar. She is also the first black and first legal services attorney to hold this position.
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According to the Florida Bar, the Family Law Section exists to actively encourage and facilitate meaningful interactions, cooperation, and the exchange of ideas between Florida's family law practitioners, legal members, state representatives, and the governor in an effort to enhance the procedural and substantive laws governing Florida's family law matters. This can explain why many members and affiliates are drawn to becoming members of this organization. Tenesia has been with the Family Law Section since the beginning of her journey with the Legal Aid Society in 2001 and later joined the executive council in 2016.
However, It wasn't until seven years later that Tenesia decided to advance her role in the Family Law Section. "I didn't think that I was going to get it," Tenesia admitted while discussing her expectations for joining the executive council. However, she was deservingly nominated for secretary and executive council back in May. "I’m still wrapping my head around it. I look forward to making the section stronger by increasing participation from greater numbers throughout the state," said Tenesia in response to her expectations for this term.
The Legal Aid Society is proud to have Tenesia not only as an attorney but as a dedicated staff member with a true desire to help those in need. While Tenesia is a tenacious force in the courtroom, fighting on behalf of her clients, she is known to be a prominent figure in our community and a mentor to many young legal minds. We look forward to her success as secretary and as a member of the executive council. Congratulations to the new 2023-24 executive council and congratulations to you, Tenesia! You did it!
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Legal Aid Staff Attorney Featured in Local News | |
"It's not designed to protect the tenant."—Jay Mobley's Comments about House Bill 133 on Orlando Weekly News
Jamos "Jay" Mobley, a housing attorney for Legal Aid, expressed his worries about House Bill 133 this month in a news article for Orlando Weekly written by McKenna Shueler. The article discusses our governor's recent signing of a major bill that potentially jeopardizes the rights of Orange County tenants. House Bill 133 allows landlords to collect monthly fees as opposed to security deposits, where the charges can be nonrefundable, reoccurring, and limitless. The bill, which goes into effect on July 1, may make matters worse for people already struggling as a result of the current housing crisis.
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The Legal Aid Society provides legal services for our most vulnerable members of the Orange County community. For more information about our resources and the service we provide visit our website at www.legalaidocba.org. | | |
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Thursday, November 16, 2023, the BOC is back! The Breakfast of Champions Fundraising virtual event provides a platform for our staff, government officials, community partners and our brave former clients to join and share encouraging stories of triumph and perseverance. We invite you to register this year and discover all the ways in which our organization impacts the community.
The Legal Aid Society relies heavily on the generous contributions of its supporters. Your attendance and donations will allow us to continue providing quality legal services to Orange County's residents including low-income families, abused and neglected children, veterans, seniors, and other vulnerable groups.
If you're interested in sponsoring this event and need more information, please contact Donna Haynes 772-812-5175 | dhaynes@legalaidocba.org. We look forward to presenting yet another triumphant event and look forward to seeing you there. Don't forget to register!
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Are you interested in becoming a sponsor? See details below. | |
Are you interested in becoming a pro bono attorney?
If you are an attorney in Orange County, FL wanting to make a positive impact on your community, click the link on the photo. Volunteer with the Legal Aid Society nonprofit law firm today! Whether you are short on time, or have a difficult schedule, we have the most feasible options for you.
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The VALOR Clinic Project
Free Legal Help for Orange County Veterans
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The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc., in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & the Bob Woodruff Foundation, is providing free legal services to Orange County veterans in need. No appointment is required. Income restrictions may apply. Legal assistance offered includes immigration law, family, housing, consumer law, taxes, & more.
Please view the graphic below for all dates and locations.
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Our FREE Tax Clinic is Open | |
Legal Aid Society Lunchtime Trainings | |
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(In Person & Virtual) July 11, 2023, “The Use of Technology in Preparing Advanced Directives”,
Pro bono Attorney Matthew H. Rosenthal, Esq. & Larri Thatcher, Deputy Director
Using technology to prepare advanced directives.
(VIRTUAL ONLY) July 25, 2023, “The Effects of Trauma: When Children are the Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse”, Guest Speaker Heather Galvin, the Healing Tree & Marie Priebe, GAL Director of Special Projects
This training will focus on the effects of trauma on children and how best to support child victims and child perpetrators as the Guardian ad Litem.
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info@legalaidocba.org | 407.841.8310 | |
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 85-8012557303C-7/CH396 AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING THEIR WEBSITE AT www.FDACS.gov. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. | | | | |
