April 2024

CCLA Executive Director Lisa Goldberg

Celebrating Legal Services Corporation's 50th Anniversary in Washington D.C. with Monica Vigues-Pitan ED for LSGMI (left) and Leslie Powell-Boudreaux ED for LSNF (right)

Opening Statement From CCLA's Executive Director

Dear Friends,

April recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights week. At Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA), we provide holistic, comprehensive legal services for victims of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and seniors age 60 and older who are victims of crime. Many times, a victim will try to leave an abusive situation and obtain a Temporary Injunction for Protection. However, other legal issues may cause them, and their children, to go back to an unsafe situation. At CCLA, we address all of victims’ legal needs to increase their safety and stability.

Civil legal aid is critical to ensuring equal access to justice for all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. It empowers victims and survivors by providing them with legal support, education about their rights, representation that enables them to navigate complex legal procedures, and a way to seek redress for injustices. When CCLA upholds victims’ rights through legal aid, we foster fairness and accountability within the legal system. This results in a sense of trust and confidence in the rule of law, strengthening the social fabric of Broward County.

As we celebrate Legal Services Corporation's 50th Anniversary, CCLA is proud that we have been a part of the solution for over 20 years, protecting the promise of justice for all. Thank you to all of our funders who support our work. We look forward to your continued commitment to our mission to build safer, healthier, and more stable lives through equal access to justice.

With appreciation,

CCLA In the Community

We continue to reach out to every corner of our community! On April 4, 2024, our attorneys attended the Investitures for the Honorable Judge Catalina Avalos and Judge Kevin Tynan at the Broward County Court House! Judge Tynan will be presiding in the Civil Injunctions Division and Judge Avalos over a Family Court division. We look forward to appearing in their courtrooms! Interesting fact- we learned Judge Avalos is the first Columbian-born woman to be sworn in as a judge in the United States!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month & Sexual Assault Awareness Month. April 8, 2024, brought us to the Department of Children and Families’ annual Pinwheel Garden Event! This event acknowledges those who help aid children who have experienced abuse and encourages others to get involved. We were honored to attend and place a pinwheel in the garden for CCLA.

Everyday actions help prevent child abuse!

April also recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights week from April 21-27. Watch our social media for informational posts and videos about victims’ rights from our award-winning RISE Project!

To read more about RISE, click below:

RISE Program

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.

Lead an in-person or virtual Legal Clinic

Represent Someone in Need

Co-Counsel a Case with Us

Provide Advice and Counsel Over the Phone

Conduct a CLE

Host a Fridays with Friends to Introduce Resources in Our Community

Teach a Virtual Legal Learning Episode on Our Social Media Platforms

Create Materials for Us to Use with Other

Pro Bono Attorneys and the Public

Engage in Outreach for Our Organization

Florida Bar Rule 4-6.1 advocates 20 hours of pro bono service per year and/or

donating at least $350.