Caroleen Brej , Esq . Bentley Goodrich Kison , P . A .
LEGAL AID
We ’ re better together
Legal Aid groups , pro bono attorneys team up to support veterans
By CAROLEEN BREJ , Esq . Bentley Goodrich Kison , P . A .
With the return of our country ’ s troops from overseas , I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the invaluable services offered to veterans by one of our local legal services organizations , Bay Area Legal Services (“ Bay Area Legal ”). According to a study published by the US Department of Veterans Affairs , 50 % of the top issues that lead to homelessness among veterans can only be solved through legal aid . With access to legal help , veterans are able to return to a role of independence and dignity within the community . That is the basis behind a strong network of legal support for low-income and marginalized veterans in Sarasota and Manatee counties . As a Director of Bay Area Legal , I am continually in awe of the incredible work that has been accomplished by volunteer attorneys and the client stories that are truly humbling and inspiring .
When I reflect on the work being done by Bay Area Legal , one encouraging story comes to mind . Bay Area Legal was recently able to assist Mr . Davis , a 69-year-old Vietnam War veteran living in Bradenton who also cares for his stepbrother . Two years ago , Mr . Davis suffered from a cascade of autoimmune issues resulting from his service and was diagnosed with temporary dementia , which caused him to fall behind on his mortgage payments . He was devastated when he received a 30-day foreclosure notice .
Luckily , Mr . Davis was referred to the Medical-Legal Partnership ( MLP ) through the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System , where he met Bay Area Legal attorney , Jeff Eckert . As you may know , the MLP is a partnership with the VA , Bay Area Legal Services and
The Bay Pines VA-MLP works closely with Legal Aid of Manasota ’ s Veterans Pro Bono Panel to address the urgent housing , family , and consumer legal needs of veterans .
Legal Aid of Manasota ’ s Veterans Pro Bono Panel .
Mr . Davis was referred to pro bono attorneys , James Lynch and Aaron Crittendon from Harllee & Bald , who immediately got to work on the time-sensitive matter . Thanks to their efforts , not only did they stall the foreclosure , but they also helped Mr . Davis obtain a reverse mortgage through the equity he had gained from the rebound of the real estate market , preserving his homeownership . Life-changing results like these are possible thanks to the strong network of veterans ’ resources that strive to provide the holistic care needed to get veterans back on their feet .
The Bay Pines Medical-Legal Partnership was established in 2017 to service veterans in Manatee , Pinellas , and Sarasota Counties . Since then , Bay Area Legal attorneys have conducted monthly intake at both the Manatee Veteran Outreach Center and the Sarasota Outreach Center . Through that intake , 65 extended cases have been referred to the Veterans Pro Bono Panel managed by Legal Aid of Manasota .
“ The Legal Aid of Manasota Pro Bono Panel is an invaluable resource by providing direct services and representation to our Veteran clients , especially during the COVID-19 pandemic ,” said Lisa Brody , Assistant Deputy
Director and Managing Attorney at Bay Area Legal ’ s West Office . “ We are very grateful for the pro bono services that the attorneys on the Legal Aid of Manasota Veterans Pro Bono Panel provide to our clients .”
The Bay Pines VA-MLP works closely with Legal Aid of Manasota ’ s Veterans Pro Bono Panel to address the urgent housing , family , and consumer legal needs of veterans .
“ Legal Aid of Manasota is grateful for its partnership with Bay Area Legal Services as well as the support of our pro bono attorneys ,” said Linda Harradine , Executive Director at Legal Aid of Manasota . “ It is critical that the community collaborates to support our veterans needing legal assistance with safe housing , family stability , and financial wellbeing .”
Bay Area Legal has also established a referral plan with Turning Point and has educated staff at the local VA hospitals to share their intake helpline for veterans seeking treatment . Veterans can also seek legal assistance by calling the Florida Veterans Legal Assistance Hotline at 1-866-466-6161 .
Bay Area Legal aspires to expand their veteran ’ s initiative within their five-county service area , increase funding for veterans ’ programs , set the standard for innovation to best meet the needs of our veterans , and continue to provide access to justice throughout the state through the Veterans Legal Helpline .
These critical resources would not be possible without the support from the local legal community . To invest in these programs with financial support , contact Development @ bals . org . To get involved with these life-changing and fulfilling volunteer opportunities , contact Linda Harradine at lindah @ legalaidofmanasota . org .
THE DOCKET · OCTOBER 2021 3