February 2025

CCLA with Broward County Mayor, Sen. Nan Rich at the 43rd Annual Installation Dinner for the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County

Opening Statement From

CCLA's Executive Director

Dear Friends,

As we enter February, we honor two critical observances that hold deep significance for our community: Black History Month and National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Black History Month reminds us of the remarkable contributions of African American leaders, activists, and changemakers—both historical and contemporary—who have shaped Broward County into the vibrant, diverse community it is today. From trailblazing educators and public servants to civil rights leaders and entrepreneurs, their courage and vision continue to inspire us to push boundaries and create meaningful change.

Here at Coast to Coast Legal Aid, we also reflect on the importance of standing with our community to preserve justice and equity, following in the footsteps of those who paved the way. It’s a privilege to continue their legacy as we work to support vulnerable populations and protect the rights of individuals and families throughout our county.

February is also National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to spotlight a deeply troubling issue impacting many young people. At CCLA, we understand the importance of empowering teens with the knowledge and resources to build healthy, respectful relationships. It is vital that we educate and support our youth, so they can recognize the signs of abuse and seek help when needed.

Together, we have an opportunity to honor the past by addressing the challenges of the present. Whether by sharing stories of African American history or advocating for the safety and well-being of our teens, let us commit to building a future rooted in justice, compassion, and resilience.

Thank you for joining us in this important work.

With gratitude

Black History Month: The Power of Tireless Advocacy

Remarkable Legacies Both Historical and Contemporary

As we celebrate Black History Month, Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida honors the trailblazers in Broward County who have shaped our community through their remarkable contributions and tireless advocacy. From civil rights leaders to and legal pioneers, these individuals have fought for justice, equality, and opportunity for all. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations, reminding us of the power of resilience, unity, and leadership in creating meaningful change.

Dr. Von Delany Mizell helped establish Provident Hospital for black residents. He staged sit-ins and protests, boycotted Fort Lauderdale’s "Colored School", and successfully sued the Broward County Medical Association for admittance. He founded the first NAACP chapter in South Florida.

An important civil rights activist in Broward County, Eula Bandy Johnson was the organizer of the famous “wade-ins" in 1961 at segregated Fort Lauderdale Beach. She was known for her work to end segregation in public beaches, schools, and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

An early African American physician in Broward County, Dr. James F. Sistrunk founded Provident Hospital with Dr. Von Delaney Mizell and businesswoman Sylvia Aldridge, who led the fundraising effort. Provident was the first hospital for African American residents in Broward County. Groundbreaking for the hospital took place in 1938.

Judge Thomas J. “TJ” Reddick, Jr. was the first Black attorney to open an office and practice law in Broward County, the first Black person appointed to the Broward County Court of Record, and the first Black person elected to serve as Circuit Court Judge in the State of Florida.

Bernice Gaines Dorn was the first Black woman member of The Florida Bar in 1958, after graduating from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (“FAMU”) College of Law. Coast to Coast Legal Aid Supervising Attorney, Hilary Creary, is a founding member of the new Bernice Gaines Dorn Black Women Lawyers Association of Broward County. Save the date for their Inaugural Installation Brunch on March 29 with guest speakers Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy A. Quince and Sia Baker-Barnes, Florida Bar President-Elect.

Ret. Judge Mary Rudd Robinson made history as the first African American woman to serve on the bench in Broward County. She started her career in legal services and sat down with Coast to Coast Legal Aid to discuss her legal career in a CCLA episode of Fridays With Friends.

*Images courtesy of Broward County Historical Commission, Carolyn Dandy Collection and 17th Judicial Circuit

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence and abuse often begin during adolescence, when individuals may not yet recognize the characteristics of a healthy relationship. Without this awareness, they become trapped in a cycle of unhealthy and abusive relationships, which, in some cases, leave them vulnerable to trafficking. At Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA), we are proud to provide critical legal services and advocacy to those who have endured unimaginable trauma. Our work, highlighted in this month’s newsletter, showcases how teens may unsuspectingly get caught in a web of violence and the vital role CCLA plays in helping them rebuild their lives.

Meet Our Client: Faith

For one year, I was trafficked by someone who introduced himself to me as Kyle (my trafficker). I met my trafficker when I had just turned seventeen years old. Growing up, I had a difficult family dynamic. My parents divorced, and I was raised by my father who struggled with addiction and disabling mental health issues. My brother and I lived in public housing and experienced neglect and abuse from many adults/caregivers in our life.

When I met my trafficker, he appeared to be important because he had a nice car and money. He was very polite and appeared to have a genuine interest in me...I trusted him.

Find Out What Happened to Faith Click Here

CCLA In The Community

This past month, we engaged in community outreach all around Broward County. Our Human Trafficking Legal Program attorney, Victoria Sexton, was one of nine experts who led a community panel about human trafficking hosted by the FLITE Center in honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Assistant State Attorney Danielle Lennox, pictured with Victoria, handles human trafficking cases in Broward County. ASA Lennox and Victoria created a trauma-informed expungement process to assist survivors of human trafficking to expunge their criminal records. CCLA also presented at the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition’s Annual Event. Learn more about our Human Trafficking Legal Program and other services for victims of crime at CCLA.

Our Mobile Justice Squad attorney, Geraldine DeBianchi, attended Deerfield Beach's Community Cares Senior Resource Fair. Geraldine spoke with local seniors about the civil legal issues they are facing and the services we offer at CCLA. Learn more about CCLA's services for seniors.

This past month we attended Legal Services Corporation’s (LSC) board meeting in Tampa. This meeting was focused on disaster legal assistance; all LSC-funded legal service programs in Florida attended. We shared information about our work and how we collaborate to assist our communities when natural disasters occur. We honored CCLA nominee Paul Regensdorf who received the LSC Pro Bono Service Award. Paul is a committed CCLA pro bono attorney who provides necessary pro bono services to our community.

Our Family Law & Victims of Crime Unit Attorneys went to Orlando to attend the AAML 2025 Marital and Family Law Review Course. Every year this course is packed with new case law, expert tips, and a look ahead and likely changes in family law for the year ahead.

Lastly, our Economic Advocacy & Community Health (EACH) Unit started the month's Black History celebration with a resource table at Urban League’s Cultural Festival in Fort Lauderdale! We had the opportunity to engage with community members and share information about CCLA and the services we offer. Learn more about CCLA's EACH services.

CCLA staff are experts in their field and recognize the importance of being at the forefront of issues that impact our clients and community.

As an integral part of this community, we look forward to engaging with all 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 CCLA's Facebook page and YouTube channel, please contact us at: CCLAInfo@legalaid.org.

Check out our Community Outreach page.

Community Outreach