CCLA's Verdict - 💚Building a Community of Justice💚

January/February 2026

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Coast to Coast Legal Aid Co-Hosted the Broward

Human Trafficking Coalition's Twenty-Four-Seven

Anti-Trafficking QR Code Outreach with our Community Partners

Dear Friends,

As we look ahead, we do so grounded in what we have accomplished together and inspired by the work still ahead. Over the past year, Coast to Coast Legal Aid remained committed to ensuring access to justice for individuals and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments.

Through direct legal services, community outreach, and strong partnerships, we continue to stabilize housing, secure essential benefits, protect seniors, and advocate for survivors seeking safety and stability. We are deeply grateful for your support, which has helped change lives for countless individuals and families in our community.

January’s Human Trafficking Awareness Month underscored the urgency of our ongoing commitment to survivors. At CCLA, this work extends beyond one awareness month through our trauma-informed, client-centered legal advocacy that helps survivors overcome complex legal barriers and move toward safety and independence.

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February highlights the importance of educating young people about healthy relationships and recognizing the signs of abuse. It also underscores the need for prevention, support, and resources to help teens stay safe and empowered.

Black History Month in February provides an opportunity to honor generations of Black leaders and changemakers whose resilience and lasting contributions continue to shape our communities and advance equity and justice for all.

As we move forward, we remain focused on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and responding to emerging needs.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue this vital work and build a year defined by impact and hope.

With gratitude,

CCLA's 2025 Year in Review

Each number tells the story of someone who refused to give up—and of an advocate that refused to turn away. Behind these figures are families who remained in their homes, seniors who found protection and dignity, and survivors who took courageous steps toward safety and stability. This “By the Numbers” year in review captures the real impact of our collective commitment to justice and reflects the lives changed when compassion is met with action.

67,000+

people have accessed CCLA legal assistance since 2004

7,000+

regional residents accessed free legal assistance in 2025

3,400+

new cases opened in 2025

1,800+

cases open for seniors in 2025

3,200+

individuals & their children helped with family law issues in 2025

200+

outreach events throughout the community

These numbers only tell part of the story. They reflect the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and the generosity of supporters like you—together advancing access to justice and lasting change across Broward and Collier counties.

DONATE HERE CHANGE LIVES

JANUARY IS NATIONAL

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a hidden crime that affects individuals and families in our community. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, strengthen prevention efforts, and reaffirm our collective responsibility to support survivors. Human trafficking thrives in silence and vulnerability; addressing it requires informed communities, strong partnerships, and survivor-centered responses. By increasing awareness and access to legal protections and resources, we can help break cycles of exploitation and ensure that survivors are met with dignity, safety, and pathways to healing and independence.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid provides trauma-informed legal services to survivors of human trafficking, helping them remove legal barriers caused by their exploitation. We assist with vacating and expunging criminal records, securing protection from abusers, stabilizing housing, and accessing public benefits. By addressing the legal consequences of trafficking, CCLA helps survivors rebuild their lives with safety, dignity, and long-term stability.

Meet Our Client: Olivia

As a teenager, Olivia was sex trafficked for years by three individuals in Broward County, Florida. Like many survivors of trafficking, she was charged with criminal acts committed under force, fraud and coercion. Her record included charges directly tied to her victimization. These charges followed her into adulthood, limiting her opportunities long after the exploitation had ended. Our Human Trafficking Legal Program represented Olivia in a human trafficking–related expungement case.

Learn What Happened

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

As we observe Black History Month, Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida honors the trailblazers in Broward and Collier Counties whose courage and advocacy helped shape our community. From civil rights champions to legal pioneers, their leadership advanced justice, equality, and opportunity, leaving legacies that continue to inspire future generations. Among them are:

Dr. Von D. Mizell, a civil rights and healthcare equity leader who co-founded Provident Hospital and established South Florida’s first NAACP chapter.

Eula Bandy Johnson, who led the historic 1961 “wade-ins” to desegregate Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Dr. James F. Sistrunk, who helped bring Provident Hospital to life as Broward County’s first hospital serving Black residents.

Judge Thomas J. “TJ” Reddick, Jr., a barrier-breaking jurist and the first Black Circuit Court Judge in Florida.

Bernice Gaines Dorn, the first Black woman admitted to The Florida Bar, whose legacy continues to empower future generations of Black women lawyers.

Anna Mae “Mother” Perry, a Collier County midwife and civil rights advocate who delivered hundreds of babies and helped found the local NAACP.

Officer Carl Strickland, the first Black Naples police officer, whose service and sacrifice were formally recognized decades later in Collier County.

Retired Judge Mary Rudd Robinson made history as the first African American woman to serve on the bench in Broward County. Beginning her career in legal services, she has remained a champion for access to justice. Previously, she shared reflections on her groundbreaking career in a Coast to Coast Legal Aid episode of Fridays With Friends.

*Images above from Broward County Historical Commission, Carolyn Dandy Collection, 17th Judicial Circuit, Naples Daily News via Facebook, and Naples City Police via Instagram.

FEBRUARY IS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH

National Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month shines a light on the importance of promoting healthy, respectful relationships and raising awareness about dating abuse among teens. It is a time to educate young people, parents, and communities about the warning signs of unhealthy relationships, empower teens to set boundaries and seek help, and reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure that every young person can grow, learn, and build relationships free from fear, control, and violence.

CCLA In The Community

Our CCLA attorneys attended the Broward County Bar Association's (BCBA) Young Lawyers Section (YLS) Breakfast with the Judiciary, an event which fosters dialogue and connection between members of the bench and the bar. These opportunities strengthen our professional relationships, encourage open communication, and ultimately help us better serve our clients and the community we support.

During January's Human Trafficking Awareness Month, CCLA co-hosted and facilitated this year’s Broward Human Trafficking Coalition's Twenty-four-Seven Anti-Trafficking QR Code Outreach. This marked our third year participating in this initiative. We were energized by the strong turnout and collaboration with local law enforcement and community providers. Uniting around a shared goal of awareness and trafficking prevention strengthens our collective impact.

A special thank you to the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition for creating and leading this annual outreach, and to the Nancy J. Cotterman Center for hosting the training and delegation portion of the event at their office. We are inspired to work alongside dedicated partners who remain committed to supporting survivors and strengthening our community’s response to human trafficking.

CCLA attorneys attended the Broward Victim Rights Coalition meeting. This year marks a significant milestone for the Coalition as it celebrates 35 years of advocating for and supporting victims throughout our community. CCLA is proud to be a longstanding member of this collaboration and remains committed to working alongside our partners to strengthen victim services and advocacy throughout Broward County.

CCLA paralegals enjoyed an evening of building community with fellow paralegals. The event, hosted by the BCBA, was designed to foster connection and engagement within the local paralegal network. This was an occasion for our team to share experiences, network, and connect with colleagues in a relaxed yet professional setting.

Attorneys from the Senior Citizen Law Project attended the 2026 Florida Consumer Law and Housing Umbrella Group (CHUG) Conference at Stetson University College of Law. Legal aid attorneys from across Florida explored new and innovative approaches to better serve our clients. We were especially proud that our own Senior Unit Supervising Attorney, Jeff Hittleman, presented an insightful session on the use of expert witnesses in housing cases.

CCLA Family Law and Victims of Crime Unit Attorney, Xan Taylor, participated in the Broward County Domestic Violence Working Group. This group brings together legal advocates, service providers, and community partners to collaborate, share updates, and strengthen responses to domestic violence in our community.

CCLA was part of a panel presentation, “Human Trafficking: Awareness, Education, & Advocacy,” at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. The panel convened legal professionals to discuss human trafficking prevention, survivor-centered advocacy, and the critical role of the legal system. CCLA Attorney Victoria Sexton joined by Assistant State Attorney Danielle Lennox, head of the Human Trafficking Division for the 17th Judicial Circuit, for an informative discussion.

This month, CCLA traveled to the Florida State Capitol alongside Florida’s LSC-funded legal aid programs to advance access to justice across the state. During our visit, our programs recognized Representative Traci Koster with the Champion of Justice Award in honor of her steadfast commitment to protecting legal aid funding in Florida. Through her leadership and advocacy, nearly $100 million in annual funding has been secured for legal aid organizations—ensuring that hundreds of thousands of Floridians can access critical legal services each year. We are grateful for champions who continue to stand up for justice and equity statewide.

CCLA’s Mobile Justice Squad (MJS) attorneys discussed MJS's services at the City of Miramar, sharing information regarding available legal services and MJS's support of senior homebound community members in need.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid's team tabled at the Community Resource Fair hosted by City of Miramar Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne. This was a great opportunity to connect with community members, share information about our services, and partner with other organizations working to support Miramar residents. Thank you to Vice Mayor Colbourne and all the organizers this important event!

We joined the Caribbean Bar Association’s Caribbean Heritage Month Networking Event, a gathering celebrating culture, community, and the contributions of Caribbean professionals within the legal field. The event connected colleagues, community leaders, and members of the Caribbean legal community while honoring the rich history and traditions of Caribbean heritage. Conversations highlighted the importance of representation, collaboration, and continued advocacy within the profession.

CCLA attorneys from our Family Law and Victims of Crime Unit went to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Florida Conference. Meetings like this deepen our team’s knowledge, keep us aligned with best practices, and strengthen informed advocacy on behalf of our clients.

CCLA staff are experts in their field and recognize the importance of being on the cutting edge 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 throughout the year. 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@cclasfl.org.

Check out our Community Outreach page.

Community Outreach

LSC's Innovations In Technology Conference

Coast to Coast Legal Aid attended Legal Services Corporation's (LSC) Innovations in Technology Conference (ITC) in San Antonio. We engaged with fellow legal aid organizations, explored trailblazing technology solutions, and gained valuable insights to enhance our services for the community. This year, CCLA received a Technology Initiative Grant to conduct an assessment of our centralized intake system. We are excited to bring these innovative ideas back to the region.

CCLA with LSC President Ron Flagg and Shrushti Kothari, LSC's Disaster Grants Program Counsel at LSC's ITC

CCLA with LSC Board Chair, John G. Levi, at LSC's ITC

CCLA with Bethanie Barber & Sharlene Stanford Greene of Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, and Alison Paul of Montana Legal Services Association

CCLA Services

Senior Law Unit

Family Law and Victims of Crime

Economic Advocacy and Community Health

Mobile Justice Squad

Pro Bono Volunteer

Legal Learning

Check out our recent Legal Learning episode on our YouTube Channel @ccla_sfl. Our Senior Unit presented Understanding Association Payments & Foreclosure Risks. If you are interested in presenting a CLE with us or volunteering, click to Learn How You Can Volunteer.