June 2024

CCLA staff members, Jeffrey Hittleman (center) & Rosa Diaz (right), assist low-income seniors during our St. Andrews Towers Advance Directives Clinic

Opening Statement From CCLA Executive Director

Dear Friends:

As we observe Elder Abuse Awareness Month this June, I would like to take a moment to highlight the crucial work being done by Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida's Senior Citizen Law Project and emphasize the importance of raising awareness about elder abuse.

Elder Abuse Awareness Month is a time dedicated to recognizing and addressing the pervasive issue of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida's Senior Citizen Law Project is a beacon of hope for our elderly community. This project delivers essential legal services to seniors, ensuring they have access to justice and are protected from abuse and exploitation. By offering free legal assistance in areas such as, housing, public benefits, and consumer rights, the Senior Citizen Law Project empowers seniors to live with dignity and security.

One of the critical services provided by the Senior Citizen Law Project is combating financial exploitation. Financial abuse is one of the most common and devastating forms of elder abuse, often perpetrated by trusted individuals. Through legal advocacy and education, the Senior Citizen Law Project helps seniors reclaim their financial independence and safeguards their assets.

Moreover, the Senior Citizen Law Project plays a significant role in raising awareness about elder abuse within the community. By conducting workshops, seminars, and outreach programs, they educate both seniors and the public about the signs of abuse and the resources available for prevention and intervention. This proactive approach not only protects potential victims but also fosters a community that values and respects its older members.

The importance of Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida's Senior Citizen Law Project cannot be overstated. The dedicated efforts of our attorneys ensure that seniors have a voice and the means to protect themselves. We remain grateful for the support of The Jim Moran Foundation, Area Agency on Aging Broward County, and Funding Florida Legal Aid for their unwavering support of CCLA’s Senior Citizen Law Project.

As we observe Elder Abuse Awareness Month, let us all commit to supporting this vital initiative and advocating for the rights and well-being of our elderly population.

Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our seniors and ensure they receive the care and dignity they deserve.

With appreciation,

CCLA In the Community

On May 16, CCLA attorneys Geraldine DiBianchi and Caron Pescatore presented "Fraud Awareness for Seniors" at the SW Focal Point Center in Pembroke Pines. Attendees learned how to recognize fraudulent solicitations and how to avoid and report them.

On June 4, CCLA and the Elder Law Section of the Broward County Bar Association brought together approximately 50 attorneys for a CLE presentation on "Durable Powers of Attorney: What You Need to Know and Common Mistakes". On June 11, the Advance Directive Clinic took place at the St. Andrews Towers in Coral Springs, where BCBA Elder Law Section Chairs Jill Ginsburg and Jason Neufeld, along with attorneys Elisabeth Magloire, Heather Aughey, Lauren Peffer, Matthew Fornaro, Demi Lamas, and Lauren Burns assisted low-income seniors with filling out and properly executing these important Advance Directive documents.

To read more about this event (and others) in The Florida Bar News, click below:

CCLA In The News

CCLA Out & About

Hilary Creary, who recently joined CCLA as our Supervising Attorney for the Family Law & Victims of Crime Unit, was honored at the TJ Reddick Bar Association's Annual Gala with the Exceptional Service to the Profession award.

CCLA attended many wonderful events in these past few weeks including the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association's Annual Gala, BCBA & The Justice Unit's Pursuers of Justice: Celebrating Jewish Judges event, The Investitures of The Honorable Christopher B. Wigand and The Honorable Michele McCaul Ricca, and Women In Distress' Starfish Luncheon. CCLA attorneys attended the National Crime Victims' Law Institute conference in Portland, Oregon and The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) conference.

We enjoy being a part of this community

and look forward to engaging with more community members and providers as the year continues. If you would like CCLA to attend an event, conduct an outreach, or you have a topic you'd like us to address in an episode of Legal Learning on our Facebook and YouTube pages, please contact us at: CCLAInfo@legalaid.org. Check out our Community Outreach page.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Pro Bono Reimagined

Pro Bono work has moved beyond traditional direct, “one client, one case” representation. Opportunities for private attorneys to assist us to bridge the justice gap through pro bono work and support have expanded. Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida offers unique ways for you to volunteer with us to help ensure access to justice in our communities. Whether you are a new attorney or experienced attorney, we offer different opportunities for you to give back.