May 2026

Recipient of the Broward Victim's Rights Coalition

2026 Janita Lee Victim Assistance Professional Award:

Jaceinte McDougle, Paralegal, Family Unit & Victims of Crime Unit

Dear Friends,

As we marked Law Day on May 1, 2026, we reflected on this year’s theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” At its core, the rule of law is the foundation of opportunity, economic mobility, and personal security.

At Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, we see every day that the rule of law must be actively upheld to have meaning. Through high-quality, free civil legal services, we protect our most vulnerable neighbors and help turn the promise of the American Dream into reality.

Law Day reminds us that the rule of law is not just to be celebrated, but carried forward. We are deeply grateful to those who stand with us. Your partnership assures all of us that justice, opportunity, and dignity remain within reach for all.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and Older Americans Month, we see every day how legal advocacy can ease burdens, protect independence, and bring peace of mind to seniors and families facing difficult challenges. This month, we honor the strength of our older community members and reaffirm our role in supporting their health, safety, and security.

Together, we can create a future where fairness, dignity, and justice are upheld for all. Thank you for your continued support in this mission.

With gratitude,

May’s recognition of Older Americans Month is a powerful reminder that dignity, independence, and security should define every stage of life. At Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, we stand alongside seniors in our community, providing critical legal services that protect their homes, finances, and well-being. From preventing consumer fraud and foreclosure to ensuring access to essential benefits and healthcare, our work helps older adults navigate complex challenges with confidence. This month, we celebrate the resilience and contributions of older Americans and continue our commitment to safeguarding their rights and quality of life.

Meet Our Client: Walter

At 77 years old, Walter lives alone on a limited fixed income, relying entirely on his monthly Social Security benefits, along with subsidized housing and SNAP (food assistance), to cover life’s basic necessities. Every dollar is carefully budgeted, leaving no room for unexpected expenses. When his Social Security payment was suddenly reduced by more than $500 due to a loss of his Medicare Savings Program benefits, he was left struggling to make ends meet. The reduction stemmed from an administrative error in which his modest annual pension was incorrectly calculated as monthly income—making him appear ineligible for a program he rightfully qualified for.

Determined to resolve the issue, Walter made multiple calls to the Department of Children and Families and spoke with several representatives and supervisors, all of whom assured him the error had been corrected. It had not...

Feeling swamped?

Buried under motions, deadlines, emails,

and billable hours?

Ananda Balroop, Esq., CCLA's Pro Bono Manager

CCLA is turning the page on traditional pro bono with the launch of Pro Bono Reimagined — a bold initiative designed to make volunteering more flexible, accessible, and impactful than ever before.

Pro Bono Reimagined is about collaboration, creativity, and connection—empowering attorneys to serve in ways that fit their practice while helping more clients receive the legal support they deserve.

This initiative is about smart service, stronger partnerships, and real impact — giving attorneys meaningful ways to give back, whether through brief advice, teaching, clinics, or limited-scope representation.

If time is tight, your $350 donation to Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida can change a life by providing critical legal help to those who need it most.

The Florida Bar Rule 4-6.1, encourages attorneys to complete

20 pro bono hours or contribute at least $350 annually.

CCLA In The Community

This past month, Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) remained deeply engaged through events, presentations, awareness activities, and partnerships that further our mission of access to justice and support for vulnerable populations.

CCLA joined the Installation Brunch hosted by the Bernice Gaines Dorn Black Women Lawyers Association, celebrating their incoming Board. The event featured an inspiring "fireside chat" with a newly appointed Florida Supreme Court Judge Renatha Francis and the first female Dean of Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, Olympia R. Duhart. They shared powerful insights on their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and what it takes to lead in the legal profession.

The Broward County Bar Association and Young Lawyer's Section ADR and Trial Lawyer Joint Social. We met with NSU Shepard Broad College of Law students graduating this year, all full of energy, ambition, and a strong desire to build their future in the legal field. It was inspiring to see students engaging, sharing experiences, and learning from both young attorneys and seasoned professionals.

Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips provided valuable insight during her “State of the 17th Judicial Court - Recent Rules, Laws, Procedures, & Initiatives" at the South Broward Bar Association's Monthly Luncheon. CCLA's Executive Director, Lisa G. Goldberg, and Pro Bono Manager, Ananda Balroop, joined colleagues from the SBBA.

Attorneys from CCLA’s Senior Law Project, including Director, Sarah Barker, and Supervising Attorney, Jeff Hittleman, took part in the 2026 Disaster Collaboration Conference. The event convened first responders, government and nonprofit agencies, and community partners focused on coordinated disaster response. A central theme was collaboration—and the essential role legal services play in helping individuals and families recover in the aftermath of disaster.

On the first day, Jeff Hittleman presented “Navigating Landlord-Tenant Law After a Disaster,” addressing the real-world challenges survivors of disasters face and illustrating how legal advocacy can help stabilize housing during periods of profound uncertainty.

CCLA Attorney Victoria Sexton went to a plaque presentation honoring ASA Danielle Lennox, who led the Human Trafficking Program at the Broward State Attorney’s Office. Victoria and Danielle worked together to develop a trauma-informed, victim-centered expungement process for survivors of human trafficking. Their collaboration drove meaningful change locally and created opportunities to share and replicate their model across circuits and districts throughout the state. Judge Stacy Ross, who presides over all human trafficking expungement cases in Broward joined the presentation.

After a decade of dedicated service to Broward County, Danielle is embarking on an exciting new chapter as an Assistant United States Attorney.

The 28th Annual Haitian Lawyers Association Scholarship Gala was truly an evening to remember for CCLA staff in attendance, including Katianna Mazard, CCLA's Director of Operations & Management who is a member of the HLA Board. Congratulations to the incoming President, Emmanuella Telfort, as she begins this exciting new chapter of leadership.

A defining moment of the evening was the presentation of scholarships to twelve Haitian students pursuing careers in law. This impactful investment in education creates pathways for future leaders and fosters a new generation of Haitian professionals dedicated to strengthening and uplifting their community.

In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida was featured at Plantation City Hall. Family Law Unit Attorney Paul Yune shared vital information about the rights of victims of crime, while Senior Law Unit Attorneys Geraldine DeBianchi and Jeff Hittleman discussed how to recognize and prevent scams and fraud—issues increasingly affecting members of our community. We extend our sincere thanks to City of Plantation Councilman Louis Reinstein for the invitation and for helping bring this important conversation to the community.

Victoria Sexton, President of the Broward Domestic Violence Council (BDVC), and Ananda Balroop, Vice President of BDVC—both attorneys with CCLA’s Family Law and Victims of Crime Unit—attended Women in Distress’ 19th Annual Starfish Gala. They were joined during the evening by Lammy Askar, Past President of BDVC, and Traci Schweitzer, Recording Secretary of BDVC with the Florida Department of Children and Families.

It was an inspiring evening recognizing the vital work of our collaborative partners in supporting survivors of domestic violence and strengthening our community.

CCLA Senior Law Unit Director Sarah Barker presented at the Broward Affordable Housing Task Force meeting, providing analysis on the legal challenges facing seniors and underscoring the critical need for access to safe, affordable housing. She also highlighted CCLA’s services for seniors, including legal assistance with housing stability, public benefits, consumer protection, and protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Family Law and Victims of Crime attorneys participated in the Broward County Bar Association's Raising the Bar Training event. We had the opportunity to connect with and learn more about the 17th Circuit family bench judges, including Judge Achille. This informative program, led by judges and experienced practitioners, provided key updates in family law and reinforced best practices for attorneys in the field. Opportunities like this ensure our team continues to grow, stay informed, and deliver the highest quality representation to our clients.

CCLA paralegals took part in the Broward County Bar Association's Paralegal Power 2026, highlighting the continued growth and impact of the paralegal profession.

From expanding leadership roles within the legal community to serving in key positions in organizations like BCBA, paralegals are making their mark. The conversation also emphasized what defines the profession at its core, strong ethical principles, unwavering confidentiality, and integrity. Attorneys depend on paralegals as trusted partners, and that trust is built on these essential values.

Nova Southeastern University's College of Psychology provided an important training for CCLA staff about Handling Clients in Crisis led by Dr. Jessica Ruiz, Professor and Director of the Healthy Lifestyles Guided Self-Change Clinic, along with her student Carolina Poll. The training provided practical strategies for working with our clients experiencing crisis situations. They guided us through how to respond in the moment, communicate effectively, and navigate these difficult situations in a client-centered, trauma-informed manner. We appreciate the opportunity to expand our skills to better serve our clients with compassion, care, and professionalism.

CCLA participated in the Miramar Community Resource Expo, an outdoor event dedicated to connecting residents with valuable community resources.

The event created a valuable space to connect directly with attendees, share information about our services, and ensure individuals and families know where to turn for support. We are always grateful for opportunities to meet people where they are and help bridge the gap to essential resources.

Attorneys from CCLA'S Family Law and Victims of Crime Unit gathered to mark the occasion at BCBA's Young Lawyers Section Retirement Social for Judge Carlos Rebollo and Judge Michael Kaplan to celebrate their many years of dedicated service. For Coast to Coast Legal Aid, Judge Kaplan has been a staple of the Domestic Violence bench for years, serving our community with patience, fairness, and diligence. We have even had the privilege of him swearing in several of our attorneys throughout the years, making his impact on our CCLA team especially meaningful. We are grateful for his commitment to justice and the care he brought to every case he presided over. We wish Judge Kaplan all the best in this exciting next chapter and thank him for the lasting difference he has made for families in Broward County.

CCLA joined the legal community at the investiture of Judge James R. Harris and welcome him to the family bench. The courtroom was filled to capacity as family, friends, and colleagues gathered to celebrate this special occasion and recognize one of Broward County’s newest Circuit Court judges. We congratulate Judge Harris on this remarkable achievement and wish him continued success as he begins this new chapter of service to our community.

Check out our recent Legal Learning episode on our YouTube Channel @ccla_sfl. Our Senior Unit presented PACE Loans & Consumer Consequences in Under 10 Minutes. 

If you are interested in presenting a CLE with us or volunteering, click to Learn How You Can Volunteer.

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.

A big thank you to Greg Staltare and Colonial Life for generously sponsoring our Spirit Week lunch!

Your support brought our team together for a well-deserved lunch break and a chance to connect, recharge, and celebrate the work we do every day at Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. We are especially grateful for your partnership in providing valuable employee benefits that support the well-being of our staff.

Thank you for investing in our team!

For information regarding sponsorships, please email us.

Welcome to the 2026 CCLA Board of Directors

We welcome the incoming Board of Directors of Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. This exceptional group of leaders brings deep commitment, diverse expertise, and a shared dedication to advancing justice and expanding access to legal services in our community. Their leadership will strengthen our mission and help ensure we continue to stand with those who need us most.

CCLA Services