May 2025

CCLA attorneys attended the 2025 Trial Lawyer Symposium, hosted by the Broward County Bar Association’s Trial Lawyers Section. 


Opening Statement From CCLA's Executive Director, Lisa Goldberg

Dear Friends,


May is Older Americans Month, a time to honor the strength, resilience, and vital contributions of older adults in our community. At Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA), we are especially proud to celebrate this month through the impactful work of our Senior Citizen Law Project.


Each year, thousands of low-income seniors in Broward County face legal challenges that threaten their health, housing, safety, and independence. Many are living alone, on fixed incomes, and are especially vulnerable to abuse, fraud, and exploitation. For them, access to legal assistance is not just helpful—it is essential.


Our Senior Citizen Law Project is dedicated to meeting these needs head-on. Through direct legal representation, community education, and our innovative Mobile Justice Squad, we bring services directly to seniors where they live, removing barriers to justice and helping them remain safe and secure in their homes. From stopping wrongful evictions to protecting against financial scams and elder abuse, our attorneys and advocates are on the front lines every day. Older Americans Month reminds us that dignity, security, and justice should never fade with age.


May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, a vital reminder that justice and healing are intertwined. At CCLA, we recognize that survivors of crime, domestic violence, and human trafficking often carry invisible wounds that affect their mental and emotional well-being long after the immediate danger has passed. Our attorneys work side by side with community partners to guarantee that survivors receive holistic support, including trauma-informed care and access to mental health resources, because true justice includes the opportunity to heal. Legal advocacy plays a critical role in the healing process—rebuilding safety, securing housing, obtaining protective orders, and helping survivors regain control over their lives. When survivors are heard, believed, and supported through legal action, it empowers them to rebuild their futures with confidence and dignity.


As we observe both Older Americans Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded that justice is not one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s an isolated senior facing eviction or a trauma survivor seeking safety and closure, legal advocacy is a powerful tool for securing stability, and preserving hope throughout our community.


Thank you for standing with us beside our most vulnerable neighbors—ensuring they are not only protected under the law but also guided on their path to healing and independence.


With gratitude,

CCLA is a 2025 Sun Sentinel

Top Workplace


We are honored to share that Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida has been recognized as a Sun Sentinel Top Workplace for the eighth year! This award is especially meaningful because it is based entirely on feedback from our CCLA team through anonymous employee surveys. This award reflects our deep commitment to cultivating a positive, mission-driven work environment. When our team feels supported and empowered, we are better able to serve our clients with the compassion, dedication, and excellence they deserve.

May is

Older Americans Month


Older Americans Month is a meaningful time at CCLA, where we dedicate our work to protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable seniors in our community. Through our Senior Citizen Law Project, we provide legal advocacy to help older adults stay in their homes, access critical benefits, and protect themselves from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Many of our clients are isolated, living on limited incomes, and facing complex legal issues alone. This month reminds us why our mission matters— every older adult deserves to age with dignity, safety, and the full protection of the law.

Meet Our Client: Harris

Midway through his lease, Harris, a senior with limited mobility, found himself in a confusing and dangerous situation: his landlord stopped accepting his rent payments. No matter how hard he tried to pay, he was turned away. This put him at serious risk of eviction—an outcome that would cause him to lose his Section 8 housing voucher, his only way to afford a place to live.

Because Harris has limited mobility, it was even more critical that he stay in stable housing. On top of the rent issues, there was another complication: while the lease said he’d be in a studio, Harris originally requested a one-bedroom apartment, but none were available. Now, the unit number listed on his lease didn’t match the apartment he was actually living in.

Just days before he was set to be served with an eviction notice, Harris called Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) for help... 

CCLA In The Community


Since our last update, CCLA continued our community outreach throughout Broward County. Our dedicated Senior Law Unit Attorneys presented to a group of seniors at the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center in Pembroke Pines. The session focused on raising awareness about the wide range of legal services available through our Senior Citizen Law Project and our Mobile Justice Squad, both of which are committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of older adults in our community. During the presentation, our attorneys provided valuable insights on how seniors can protect themselves from becoming victims of scams, fraud, financial exploitation, and various forms of abuse.


This educational outreach is part of CCLA’s ongoing mission to empower seniors with knowledge, promote access to justice, and ensure that our aging population can live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. We are grateful to the staff and attendees of the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center for their warm welcome and enthusiastic participation. Learn more about CCLA's services for seniors.


On May 1st, Law Day, CCLA attended the 17th Judicial Circuit Court's inaugural Florida Problem-Solving Court Event. The event brought together judicial leaders, community partners, service providers, and members of the public to raise awareness about the transformative impact of the Problem-Solving Courts. The highlight of the event was a comprehensive showcase of the Circuit’s thirteen active Problem-Solving Courts, each designed to serve individuals whose underlying issues—such as mental health disorders, substance abuse, or veteran-specific challenges—contribute to their involvement in the justice system. Acting Chief Judge Carol Lisa Phillips accepted a Proclamation from the Broward County Board of Commissioners which acknowledged the effective work of these specialized courts.


Immediately following the showcase, a dynamic Resource Fair was held, featuring a wide array of service providers and community-based organizations that collaborate closely with the courts. CCLA presented our legal services and collaborated with our other partners who offer critical services such as counseling, housing assistance, addiction treatment, case management, and more.


Our Family Law & Victims of Crime Unit attorneys attended the Broward County Bar Association's (BCBA) 2025 Family Law Raising the Bar event at the Tower Club in Fort Lauderdale. This premier conference brought together esteemed judges, legal professionals, and thought leaders to discuss the latest developments in family law.


Our team participated in insightful discussions, gaining valuable knowledge to better serve our clients. We are committed providing exceptional representation and staying at the forefront of family law issues. Special thanks to the BCBA for organizing such an informative event. We look forward to applying the insights gained to our practice.


On April 30th, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we observed Denim Day by wearing denim in support of sexual assault survivors. Denim Day began in 1999, inspired by a powerful act of resistance in Italy. After a young woman was sexually assaulted, her attacker’s conviction was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court because the justices claimed her jeans were “too tight,” implying she must have helped remove them. Each year, people around the world wear denim on this awareness day to support survivors, challenge harmful myths, and speak out against sexual violence. 💙Learn more about CCLA's services for victims of crimes like domestic violence and trafficking at CCLA.


On Saturday, May 10th, CCLA team members from our Senior Law Unit and Economic Advocacy & Community Healthy (EACH) Unit participated in the City of Miramar's Resource Fair at the Multi-Service Complex. This event provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with local residents and organizations, offering information and resources to enhance the well-being of the community. We engaged in informational conversations with community members about our free legal services and how we support our community. Learn more about our EACH Unit and their services.


On Law Day, CCLA attorneys also had the pleasure of attending the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) Judicial Reception, graciously hosted by the BCBA's YLS. The event in Fort Lauderdale was a lively and engaging evening designed to foster connections between members of the legal community, including practicing attorneys, judges, and law students.


Our attorneys shared the mission and impact of CCLA’s work, highlighting the importance of providing free civil legal services to low-income and vulnerable individuals across our region. They discussed the unique challenges faced by our clients and how CCLA’s advocacy contributes to greater access to justice and systemic change.


Participating in events like the YLS Judicial Reception is beneficial for our staff's professional development and helps build awareness about the essential services that legal aid organizations provide. We’re grateful to the BCBA and YLS for organizing such a well-attended and meaningful event, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with the broader legal community in support of equal justice for all.

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 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.

Coast to Coast

Legal Aid

of South Florida is proud to have earned a

2025 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency!

Coast to Coast Legal Aid provides crucial support to individuals who cannot afford legal representation. 

Your contribution makes a significant difference in someone’s life, protecting their rights and ensuring equal access to justice and a fair legal process. 

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  TikTok  X  YouTube
X Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email

Contact Us

954-736-2400

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  TikTok  X  YouTube