April 2026

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida

Finalist for Outstanding Organization of the Year at the 15th Annual Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards Luncheon

Dear Friends,

April marks National Fair Housing Month, a time to reaffirm the right to safe, equal housing for all. At Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA), we protect the housing rights of vulnerable seniors and victims facing eviction, foreclosure, unsafe conditions, and discrimination.

Through our Senior Citizen Law Project, we provide free legal help to low-income seniors—resolving landlord-tenant disputes, fighting unlawful evictions, and helping older adults remain safely in their homes so they can age with dignity.

April also includes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which honors survivors and the advocates who stand beside them. The 2026 NCVRW theme, CommUNITY, highlights the unity of those who support crime survivors—victim service providers, criminal justice and mental health professionals, faith leaders, families, and friends. CCLA is dedicated to ensuring that no survivor stands alone in their pursuit of justice and recovery.

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,

DONOR SPOTLIGHT:

Welcome to Our Newest Champion of Justice

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida extends our deepest gratitude to

Tripp Scott

Director, Douglas H. Reynolds and CCLA Board member and Tripp Scott Associate Joshua T. Needell for their steadfast support of our mission. Tripp Scott’s commitment to strengthening our region ensures our clients have access to justice and the resources they need to thrive.

Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community.

April is National Fair Housing Month, commemorating the 1968 Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. This month highlights efforts to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equal access to housing for all, particularly vulnerable populations like seniors. Older adults often face unique challenges, including age-related discrimination, financial exploitation, and accessibility barriers that threaten their ability to secure safe and stable housing. Ensuring fair housing rights for seniors means advocating for equal access to affordable, accessible, and supportive housing options that allow them to age with dignity. CCLA protects seniors from unlawful eviction, predatory practices, and discriminatory policies that jeopardize their well-being.

Meet Our Client: Silvia

Silvia, a senior on a fixed income, unexpectedly lost her job. Although she was looking for a new job, re-entering the workforce proved challenging due to her age and limited resources. She quickly fell behind on rent and returned home one day to find an eviction notice on her front door. Silvia did not understand the eviction process and could not afford to hire an attorney. Facing the imminent threat of homelessness, she turned to Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) to help her navigate the court process and learn about her legal rights...

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.

Leading the charge is Ananda Balroop, who will spearhead the initiative, including a new Joint Subcommittee with the Broward County Bar Association. Ananda brings her years of experience as a Family Law Attorney at CCLA, along with her deep commitment to advancing access to justice for families in our community.

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.

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

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

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.

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 engaged with lawyers at the Florida Bar and Young Lawyers Division Inaugural Career Fair at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center. This event provided valuable time to introduce ourselves and connect with attorneys exploring new career opportunities, as well as those interested in reimagined pro bono service with Coast to Coast Legal Aid.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida was named a Finalist for Outstanding Organization of the Year at the 15th Annual Community Care Non-Profit Awards. The event marked 30 years of 211 Broward’s vital services and recognized the nonprofit organizations and individuals driving growth, stability, and well-being across our community. This distinction highlights CCLA’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to justice and strengthening support for vulnerable residents throughout South Florida.

CCLA attended the kickoff event for the launch of Family Court Services in the 17th Judicial Circuit, an important new program designed to connect families involved in litigation with therapeutic resources and support.

This initiative reflects a thoughtful approach to family law, helping individuals navigate the court process while promoting conflict resolution and prioritizing the well-being of children. By providing access to supportive services, Family Court Services aims to strengthen outcomes for families and assist litigants in meeting court expectations.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida recently participated in the Breaking the Silence, Building Resilience event hosted by Goodman Jewish Family Services. The program brought together advocates, service providers, and community leaders to raise both awareness and critical funding in support of domestic violence prevention and mental health services. Through powerful presentations and shared perspectives, the event offered meaningful insights into trauma, resilience, and the importance of coordinated, compassionate responses. It reinforced the significant role CCLA plays supporting survivors and individuals with their legal needs, while highlighting the ongoing need for accessible, holistic resources.

Attorneys from Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida’s Senior Law Unit recently presented to the Social Service Coordinators of Catholic Housing Management (CHM), who serve low-income seniors across Broward County. These coordinators are often the first to recognize when residents are facing legal or personal challenges, making them critical partners in early intervention. CCLA attorneys shared information on available legal services—including assistance with housing, public benefits, and elder justice issues. The session strengthened connections between CCLA and CHM and reinforced a shared commitment to protecting the stability, safety, and dignity of the seniors we serve.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida joined members of the Jewish Bar Association of Broward County for its Annual Installation Brunch, celebrating incoming leadership and the continued strength of the legal community. The event recognized the Association’s dedication to professional excellence, service, and community engagement. CCLA was pleased to be part of the celebration and to connect with colleagues committed to advancing justice and supporting the communities we serve.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida's Board Vice Chair, Beth Feder, The Winston Law Firm, and CCLA's Pro Bono Manager, Ananda Balroop, joined the Broward County Women Lawyers' Association for a special Her Honor brunch during Women’s History Month honoring outstanding jurists, Judge Bloom, Judge Avalos, and Judge DePrimo. The event celebrated the achievements and leadership of women on the bench, recognizing their lasting impact on the legal profession and the pursuit of justice. 

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida joined the Broward County Bar Association’s Women’s History Month celebration at the 17th Judicial Circuit's Broward County Courthouse.

The event honored the many contributions women have made to the legal profession and the justice system, highlighting their leadership, impact, and continued role in advancing equity and access to justice.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida joined the South Broward Bar Association for its 18th Annual President’s Installation, celebrating leadership and service within the local legal community. The event highlighted the Association’s ongoing commitment to professionalism, mentorship, and civic engagement. CCLA remains committed to working alongside partners across the bar to strengthen collaboration and expand access to justice throughout our region.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida celebrated the appointment of Olympia Duhart as Dean of Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad College of Law, along with the dedication of the Eric S. Rosen Trial Advocacy Courtroom. The event recognized Dean Duhart’s leadership and contributions to legal education, while highlighting the importance of spaces that inspire learning, advocacy, and the pursuit of justice. CCLA values and supports initiatives that strengthen the pipeline of future public service attorneys.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida attended the Women's LeadHERship Summit at Barry University, where we spoke with students about possible career paths in the legal field. It was inspiring to hear from these future leaders as we shared our experiences, discussed challenges and successes, and encouraged this next generation to pursue their goals with confidence.

Want to get involved, but you're not local to CCLA's region?

No problem!

We have remote pro bono opportunities!

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida recently engaged with students from the University of Florida Levin College of Law to explore key areas of law impacting our community, including housing, domestic violence, and public benefits. This collaboration reflects CCLA’s commitment to growing the next generation of public service attorneys by creating meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that connect legal education with real-world impact. Students quickly put their knowledge into action, developing informational videos that will be used to educate and empower the individuals and families we serve—while strengthening their own skills and deepening their understanding of community-centered advocacy.

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.

CCLA would like to thank Ivan Cross, Manager, Plantation Starbucks (7900 W. Sunrise Blvd.) and Andrew Little, Manager, Trader Joe's Davie (2296 S University Dr) for their in-kind donations! We appreciate your support. 

For information regarding sponsorships, please email us.

Child Abuse Prevention Month

Coast to Coast Legal Aid planted a pinwheel at Broward County's “Pinwheel for Prevention” themed event, which is part of April's Child Abuse Prevention Month activities. The Broward AWARE! Protecting Our Children campaign is a multi-agency effort led by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, dedicated to child abuse prevention through education, community engagement, and resource access. 

CCLA Services