BAY PINES
Continued from Page 15 veterans at Turning Points in Bradenton and Harvest House in Sarasota .
The 2021 Report of the Veterans Task Force by the Legal Services Corporation ( LSC ) found that “ more than 30 MLPs operate at VA Medical Centers ( VAMCs ) throughout the country . Many of these VA-embedded MLPs have successfully closed the gap between veterans ’ legal and healthcare needs .” The Bay Pines MLP aligns with the Veterans Task Force Report recommendation to expand existing community service delivery mechanisms through VA collaborations , including MLP ’ s and less formal legal clinics .
COVID-19 Pandemic Response :
In response to the COVID- 19 pandemic , the Bay Pines MLP transitioned rapidly to remote telephone intakes and consultations . This allowed attorneys to communicate with clients on a daily basis and prioritize legal assistance based upon the immediate needs of veteran clients . Veterans could contact the MLP appointment line on a 24 / 7 basis to be prescreened for eligibility and direct assistance from an MLP attorney . The Bay Pines MLP adapted to emerging circumstances that placed many veterans in crisis , including issues with accessing unemployment assistance , managing consumer debt , and navigating the eviction moratoriums at the state and federal levels . The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and hardships to our nation and to local communities . The economy took a downturn , which had a direct impact on our state and especially our veteran population . Many elderly and disabled veterans relied on their fixed incomes and this made obtaining legal assistance or services difficult , often impossible , to afford . The
LEGAL AID CORNER
Bay Pines MLP assisted veterans with completing unemployment applications , requesting financial assistance for rental housing , and managing consumer debt . We were also able to provide easyto-understand information to the community regarding the everchanging rules and regulations on eviction moratoriums .
MLP attorneys have worked continuously to build connections with the VA ’ s social workers , medical providers , and support staff to bridge the gap between veterans ’ medical and legal needs . These connections allow referrals to flow two ways : from VA staff to Bay Area Legal ’ s MLP attorneys for legal needs , and from MLP attorneys to VA staff for healthcare needs . MLP attorneys also network with community partners that assist veterans in Sarasota , Manatee , and Pinellas counties . Community Partnership outreach includes attending monthly virtual meetings with The Bay Pines VA Community Veterans Engagement Board , Veterans Board of Empath Health , Veterans Liaisons of Career Source Pinellas , as well as participating in various legal education webinars for a host of other organizations .
The Bay Pines MLP expects to resume in-person operations by September 2021 , but will continue to provide legal assistance by telephone as well . In-person legal services will be available to at the C . W . Bill Young VA Medical Center and at the Sarasota and Bradenton VA Outpatient Clinics on a regular basis . Veterans in Sarasota and Bradenton can continue to contact the MLP appointment line for legal assistance at ( 727 ) 398-9592 .
To support these critical programs , Bay Area Legal depends on the kindness of granters and individual donors . Learn more about the Medical- Legal Partnership at bals . org / supportMLP or contact Bay Area Legal ’ s Development Department at development @ bals . org to join the fight for our veterans .
MINNIS
Continued from Page 13 Hill-Harvey . “ We hope collaborate with the Sarasota County and Manatee County Bar Associations in the future as we collectively lift underrepresented groups in our profession and collective communities .”
“ As Chair of the Florida Bar ’ s Standing Committee on Diversity and Inclusion , I have had the privilege of working with members of affinity Bar Associations across the state ,” said Charlie Ann Syprett . “ I have seen firsthand the role they play in addressing the many challenges facing their members ; challenges that are sometimes ignored or misunderstood by traditional Bar associations . I am honored to join the Sarasota-Manatee Committee of the Minnis Bar Association and to support its dedication to equality , mutual support and the collective success of its members .”
To celebrate the launch of this important initiative , the local Minnis Committee is hosting a special presentation of “ My Lord What a Night ” at Florida Studio Theatre on August 6 at 8 p . m . Based on actual events , this insightful new play offers a rare glimpse into the real-life struggles faced by two 20th-century icons , renowned singer Marian Anderson and Albert Einstein . In 1937 , after performing a sold-out concert in Princeton , N . J ., Anderson was refused a room at the whites-only Nassau Inn . With nowhere to go , Albert Einstein invited her to stay in his own home , sparking a lifelong friendship .
A conversation about the play led by Hon . Charles E . Williams will follow the performance . To purchase tickets , go to :
My Lord , What A Night .
Committee formed to raise money for bayfront public art project
The SCBA board recently approved the formation of a committee to raise funds for an exciting new public art project to be permanently installed in Bayfront Park . The project will be commissioned by the Diversity Public Art Project committee under the umbrella of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County and will be installed adjacent to the space used annually for the “ Embracing Our Differences ” billboard art display . The goal of the fundraising committee authorized by the SCBA is to assist in Sarasota ’ s commitment to inclusivity as well as have the SCBA be recognized for the contributions of its members to that goal .
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THE DOCKET · AUGUST 2021