December is

 National Giving Month

National Giving Month reminds us that strong communities are built through shared generosity and collective action. It inspires individuals and organizations to support the causes that protect, uplift, and empower our neighbors. By coming together this month, you help ensure that CCLA's vital services and opportunities remain accessible to those who need them most.

Meet our Client: Frederick

At 92 years old, Frederick had built a comfortable life in his subsidized apartment complex for low-income seniors. For more than a decade, he had called the same apartment home. Despite physical disabilities and chronic health conditions, he took pride in maintaining his independence and staying connected to the community he loved.

That sense of stability was shaken when Frederick's landlord filed an eviction case against him, claiming he left his kitchen sink running overnight and caused a flood. Frederick knew that was not true. Hoping to clear up the misunderstanding, he attended an informal hearing on his own, but the decision went against him.

The false accusation and sudden eviction case put his home—and his independence—at risk. That’s when Coast to Coast Legal Aid stepped in. Housing attorneys in CCLA’s Senior Law Project immediately got to work, crafting a defense strategy and identifying what evidence was needed to prove Frederick's innocence...

This Year We Changed Over 7,000 Lives

In 2025, Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) helped seniors keep their homes, survivors of domestic violence reclaim their safety, and families in crisis find the legal support they desperately needed.

Every client we serve is a story of resilience—and your support makes those stories possible.

As the year ends, your gift ensures more lives are protected, more voices are heard, and justice is served.

CCLA In The Community

Looking back on 2025, our team reflects with gratitude on a year marked by connection, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Throughout the year, we strengthened relationships with partners, expanded our outreach, and worked tirelessly to serve our community. As the year draws to a close, we celebrate the season with those who make our work possible, while thoughtfully preparing and laying the foundation for an even stronger year ahead — one where we continue to protect, empower, and uplift those who rely on us most.

Throughout 2025, CCLA staff participated in 208 community events, outreach fairs, partner meetings, trainings to the community, and collaborative efforts—each one reinforcing our commitment to serving regional residents. From working alongside community-based providers to engaging with the Broward County Bar Association and other valued partners, these moments strengthened our mission and broadened our impact.

As part of our year-end professional engagement, several members of our legal team attended the Florida Poverty & Health Law Conference in Orlando. Hosted by the Florida Health Justice Project, the conference brought together advocates from across the state to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and advance efforts to improve health access for vulnerable communities. The team also enjoyed reconnecting with former CCLA Healthcare Attorney Margaret Kosyk, now making a powerful impact through her work with FHJP.

CCLA attended Legal Aid Service’s Night of Justice Gala, an evening dedicated to recognizing champions of equal access to justice. CCLA joined colleagues and community leaders at the Jewish Bar Association of Broward County’s dinner event, a meaningful gathering centered on relationship-building and shared purpose.

The holiday season offered many opportunities to connect with the broader legal community. Our team joined the BCBA's Young Lawyers Section for its annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party, celebrating camaraderie and good cheer.

We were equally pleased to attend the South Broward Bar Association's Holiday Party and the Broward County Women Lawyers Association's Holiday Party — each event providing time to strengthen professional relationships and celebrate the collective work of our peers, including women leaders advancing the legal profession.

These events, together with CCLA's community education and outreach events, strengthen our connections, weaving the fabric of a strong, resilient region. We close out the year with a sense of pride, gratitude, and optimism, looking ahead with excitement to all that 2026 will bring.

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 in the coming 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.

Honoring 35 Years of Service

For 35 years, Elvira Sears and Cynthia Woodward have been pillars of Coast to Coast Legal Aid, dedicating their careers to serving our clients with skill, compassion, and deep commitment. As an Intake Paralegal, Elvira is the first point of connection for thousands seeking help, offering guidance, dignity, and reassurance at moments of uncertainty. As Director of the Family Law & Victims of Crime Unit, Cynthia leads with expertise and heart, strengthening our programs, mentoring staff and law students, ensuring that survivors and their families receive exceptional advocacy. Cynthia has helped thousands leave their abusive relations. Their combined legacy reflects the very best of CCLA’s mission and the profound impact of a lifetime devoted to justice.

We also recognized the Senior Law Unit's Geraldine DeBianchi and Joanne Galipault on reaching their five year anniversaries with CCLA. Their dedication, passion, and daily contributions continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Congratulations to Elvira Sears on 35 Years!

Congratulations to Cynthia Woodward on 35 Years!