Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida and the Broward County Bar Elder Law Section help close the gap for seniors with a free advanced directives clinic
'Too few people have these essential documents, and events like this help ensure that our seniors are protected and their voices heard'
Jason Neufeld, co-chair of the Broward County Bar’s (BCBA) Elder Law Section, from the left; Sarah Barker, director of the Senior Citizen Law Project at CCLA; Jill Ginsberg, co-chair of the BCBA’s Elder Law Section; Doe Simons of CCLA; Josh Ham, a FFLA summer fellow at CCLA; Joseph May of CCLA; Rosa Diaz of CCLA; Katianna Mazard, CCLA director of operations and management; Emilia Garcia, a CCLA summer intern, Jesica Alexander of CCLA, and Joanne Galipault of CCLA.
The Senior Citizen Law Project at Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA), in partnership with the Broward County Bar’s Elder Law Section, hosted a free clinic at St. Andrew Towers, an apartment building for low-income seniors in Coral Springs, to address the need for more awareness and preparedness regarding advance directives.
Eight volunteer attorneys from the private bar and seven attorneys and paralegal professionals from CCLA provided assistance to a room full of seniors. Each met one-on-one with a lawyer for about an hour. They left with fully completed advance directives, such as powers of attorney, healthcare surrogates, and living wills.
“We are thrilled to see the legal community come together to address a critical need,” said Sarah Barker, director of the Senior Citizen Law Project at CCLA. “Too few people have these essential documents, and events like this help ensure that our seniors are protected and their voices heard.”
CCLA Executive Director Lisa Goldberg said the clinic is a testament to the power of collaboration.
“The gratitude expressed by the participants underscores the importance of making advance directives accessible to everyone,” she said.
As one volunteer remarked, “Seeing the relief and peace of mind these documents bring to our seniors makes all the effort worthwhile. We look forward to organizing more events like this in the near future.”
