July 2024

CCLA's Rights In System Enforced (RISE) Program awarded Outstanding Program of the Year from the Broward Domestic Violence Council for its victims' rights enforcement

Opening Statement From CCLA Executive Director

Dear Friends:

As we observe Know Your Rights Month, I would like to take a moment to draw your attention to the significant work being done by Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida’s Rights In Systems Enforced (RISE) Project and underscore the importance of advocating for the rights of people who are victims of crime.

As a victim of crime in Florida, a person has rights. Some rights start as soon as one becomes a victim, other rights must be asserted. Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida’s (CCLA) RISE Project provides free civil legal assistance to victims and survivors of crime to assert and enforce their victims’ rights in the criminal cases against their abusers and perpetrators of crime. Without a clear understanding of victims' rights, a person is at a considerable disadvantage and may face injustices that could have been avoided with proper legal guidance. Having legal representation as the victim in a criminal case is invaluable.

The public defender, or the defendant’s criminal defense attorney, represents the defendant only. While the prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office will consider a victim’s input when they are able to, they represent the State’s interests. CCLA’s job is to represent the victim. We advise clients of their legal rights and assist them to assert and protect those rights at every stage of the criminal case. We answer questions about the criminal process, keep clients informed about the status of the case and their rights, advocate for their rights in court, and represent them to enforce their rights throughout the criminal case. Being a victim of crime is difficult enough. Going through the criminal justice system may be even more traumatizing, especially if a victim is navigating it alone. We are here to walk with our clients through the criminal process.

Recognizing the rights of victims of crime is crucial in ensuring justice and promoting healing. Victims often endure significant trauma and loss, and acknowledging their rights helps validate their experiences, providing them with necessary support and protection. This recognition ensures they receive fair treatment, restitution, a voice to speak their wishes, and the opportunity to participate in the legal process; this fosters a sense of empowerment, aiding in their recovery.

As we observe Know Your Rights month, let us all commit to upholding victims' rights as a fundamental aspect of a just and compassionate society.

With Great Appreciation,

CCLA In the Community

It was a busy month in the community for CCLA! CCLA's Supervising Attorney of the Senior Citizen Law Project, Jeff Hittleman, spoke as a panelist for the Caribbean Bar Association's Housing & Evictions Clinic at the West Regional Library. CCLA had a resource table at the event with Officer Cathy Chastain, a member of the Multi-Agency Homeless Taskforce, sharing our resources and information. The Family Law Unit's new Supervising Attorney, Hilary Creary, had the honor of teaching a negotiations class for law students at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law.

CCLA participated in the Urban League of Broward County’s Homeownership Fair, an event that brought together a diverse array of stakeholders in the homeownership process. Representatives from mortgage companies, credit repair services, home repair businesses, and downpayment assistance programs were present to meet with over 100 community members aspiring to become first-time homebuyers. During the fair, CCLA engaged with attendees, informing them about the services we offer to support the community. It was a productive and exciting day that reinforced our commitment to helping community members with housing issues and assisting those on their journey to homeownership.

This month CCLA was awarded $10,000 from the First Horizon Foundation for their Grants for Good Program! We would like to express our sincere gratitude to First Horizon Foundation for their support of our mission! Thank you for helping us bridge the justice gap!

CCLA Out & About

CCLA attended many wonderful events these past few weeks! We had a wonderful time at the Broward County Bar Association's Annual Gala cheering on CCLA Board Member Alan Fishman as he received the Practice Section Chair of the Year Award for the Solo Small Firm Section. CCLA’s Executive Director, Lisa Goldberg, and Supervising Attorney of the Senior Citizen Law Project, Jeff Hittleman, attended the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County’s 2024 Senior Hall of Fame induction breakfast. The event celebrated ten outstanding seniors who have made significant contributions to Broward County through volunteering. It was an inspiring morning honoring exceptional people for their unwavering commitment to our community.

CCLA joined our fellow Bar members at The Florida Bar Convention in Orlando. We caught up with old friends and made some new ones. We enjoyed Funding Florida Legal Aid’s (FFLA) award breakfast. FFLA awarded several legal aid lawyers for incredible achievements in hard-fought cases involving cutting-edge legal issues at their Annual Awards Ceremony at the Florida Bar Convention. Other recognitions included the presentation of the 2024 Medal of Honor Award to Retired Justice Peggy A. Quince. The ceremony highlighted the dedication and expertise of both legal and non-legal professionals who work tirelessly to uphold justice and equality for all.

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.

Volunteer and Donate today!

Donate Here

Click Here to Get Involved!

CCLA's 2023 Annual Report

Hot off the press! We are pleased to share the 2023 Annual Report for CCLA with you. This year's report highlights our achievements, the impact of our services, and the stories of the individuals and communities we have had the privilege to support.

In 2023, we continued to advance our mission of providing high-quality legal assistance to those in need, overcoming various challenges, and adapting to new opportunities. The community support we receive through donations, volunteers, and pro bono participation aligns with our shared commitment to fostering community well-being and promoting positive social impact.

We simply could not do this without you!

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to justice.

CCLA's Annual Report