THE
MONTHLY DOCKET
August 2023
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Latest News & Updates from the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. | |
The Domino Effect television series was created to inform the Orange County community of updates and resources available to help them combat civil legal issues. Our host, Jessica Thomas, sits with Legal Aid Society staff, attorneys, community partners, and other important members of our community to discuss various topics regarding housing, human trafficking, consumer debt, elder law, veterans’ affairs, and more. The show airs quarterly throughout the year on Orange TV channels (Channel 488 on Spectrum (formerly Bright House), Channel 9 on Comcast, 1081 CenturyLink Prism TV, 10.2 Digital Over the Air). All episodes are also available on Orange TV’s YouTube channel for public viewing. Click the link below to watch! | |
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GALs Need Help, Too
Why You Should Volunteer to be a Child Advocate
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The children that we help here at Legal Aid have experienced some of the most horrific events that no child should ever have to endure. From neglect to different forms of abuse, they've been left with scars that could last a lifetime. While some children are excited to return to school to reunite with friends and classmates, others are more excited to escape the horrors faced at home. Children deserve safety, and their innocence should remain pure regardless of their circumstances. | | | |
Thanks to the Guardian ad Litem program (GAL), we've managed to help hundreds of children find new homes, providing them with the help and stability they desperately need. Orange County attorneys have independently provided GAL services for abused, abandoned, and neglected children on a pro bono basis since the early 1970s. Soon after, it was decided that the Legal Aid Society would serve as the administrative agency for the GAL Program in Orange County, and through the efforts of our local Florida Bar members, we would appoint attorneys to serve as GALs. However, you don't necessarily have to be a legal expert to help neglected and abused children. | |
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As a Volunteer Advocate for Children (VAC), you will train with a GAL attorney and meet with dependent children to provide additional support. One of the greatest needs for a child is consistency, and through this volunteer program, you can provide this to at least one child. As a VAC, you will relay valuable information to Guardians ad Litem, who in turn advocate for the best interests of these deserving children in and out of court. You will work with the attorney GALs to gather records, interview witnesses, meet the child, and monitor that child’s progress as well as the court’s orders.
Our volunteers have been able to change the lives of many children, sometimes with the simplest acts of kindness. There are children who've struggled to obtain basic necessities such as new clothes, socks, and shoes. Our VACs have been able to buy these things and more, especially when the new school year comes around. Some children haven't had the opportunity to celebrate a birthday or receive a birthday gift. Our VACs have granted birthday wishes for children who will remember those special moments for the rest of their lives. All the little joys of childhood that we once experienced can be given to a child through our volunteer service. Becoming a VAC can not only change the life of one child, but yours as well. As an advocate for a child who has been neglected or abused, you can help give them a second chance because their life matters. For more information on how you can become a VAC, call 407-841-8310 or visit our website at www.legalaidocba.org.
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Thursday, November 16, the BOC is back! The Breakfast of Champions Fundraising virtual event provides a platform for our staff, government officials, community partners and our brave former clients to join and share encouraging stories of triumph and perseverance. We invite you to register this year and discover all the ways in which our organization impacts the community.
The Legal Aid Society relies heavily on the generous contributions of its supporters. Your attendance and donations will allow us to continue providing quality legal services to Orange County's residents including low-income families, abused and neglected children, veterans, seniors, and other vulnerable groups.
If you're interested in sponsoring this event and need more information, please contact Donna Haynes 772-812-5175 | [email protected]. We look forward to presenting yet another triumphant event and look forward to seeing you there. Don't forget to register!
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Are you interested in becoming a sponsor? See details below. | |
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Community Outreach
Here's where you can find us!
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Throughout the year, the Legal Aid Society attends multiple events in the community to encourage and educate people about the services we provide to people in need. Make sure to visit our website at www.legalaidocba.org to find out more about our community outreach events.
Upcoming Event(s):
On Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., you can find our table at the 2nd Chance Resource Fair & Workshop!. This event will be held at the Northwest Community Center located at 3955 Judge Dr., Orlando, FL 32808.
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The VALOR Clinic Project
Free Legal Help for Orange County Veterans
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The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc., in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & the Bob Woodruff Foundation, is providing free legal services to Orange County veterans in need. No appointment is required. Income restrictions may apply. Legal assistance offered includes immigration law, family, housing, consumer law, taxes, & more.
Please view the graphic below for all dates and locations.
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Our FREE Tax Clinic is Still Open | |
Legal Aid Society Lunchtime Trainings | |
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(VIRTUAL ONLY)- September 12, 2023 – “Florida Landlord-Tenant Law. Nuts and Bolts “Mike Resnick, Housing Attorney
At this housing training you will learn the “nuts and bolts” of defending against eviction court cases involving non-payment of rent, breach of lease, non-renewal or termination of leases, and substandard housing conditions. We will also discuss the related issue of security deposit disputes.
(IN PERSON & VIRTUAL) September 26,2023
“Tips for Pro Bono GALs from the Dependency
Judges and Magistrate” –Judge Higbee, Judge Tynan and Magistrate Pulayya
The Dependency Judges and Magistrate offer tips and expectations for GAL Pro Bono Attorneys and answer questions.
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How well do you know Legal Aid?
Congratulations! You've made it to the end. Here's a quick chance to win a prize.
The first person to answer all questions correctly wins something special! All you have to do is email your answers to [email protected]. Let's see how well you know our organization.
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 85-8012557303C-7/CH396 AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING THEIR WEBSITE AT www.FDACS.gov. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. | | | | |
