Jacksonville Area Legal Aid staff attorneys and volunteer lawyers offer brief counsel and advice on a regular basis at the Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry Single Parent Project.
The clients are working to regain stability for themselves and their children during and after divorce actions.
The program provides social and emotional support as well as workshops on topics such as goal setting, financial wellness, parenting, legal rights and nutrition.
Each participant sets goals and receives counseling on his or her financial needs and basic income requirements for financial stability.
Consumer rights is one of the legal topics offered by BEAM.
Consumer law attorney Max Story is a regular volunteer presenter. His topics have included consumer law education, bankruptcy issues and consumer rights.
After each session, Story consults with those who have specific legal concerns.
On two occasions, that led to him assisting a single parent with full representation.
For one client, Story achieved a favorable outcome in federal court that led to his client being able to qualify for a Habijax home for herself and her children.
His other case, a state court matter, also ended in a positive outcome for the client.
“These women are encouraged and uplifted by being able to have a voice and fight back against what seems to be a constant stream of abuse and harassment from all angles. To them, Max is not only extremely generous, he is their hero,” said Lynn Drysdale, JALA consumer attorney.
It’s not unusual for an attorney to exceed expectations. It’s also not unusual for generous actions to be the turning points for families struggling to thrive and be productive in their communities.
The Single Parent Project is an example of effective community collaboration on behalf of the underserved.
Jewish Family Community Services also has joined forces with BEAM to assist with information and support in group and individual situations.
The combined resources of BEAM, JALA, Jewish Family Community Services and attorneys who donate their services are helping families achieve success. We all benefit from their efforts.
Sincere appreciation is extended to agency partners, Story, and all volunteer legal advocates standing with families in need.
Attorneys interested in pro bono opportunities in the 4th Judicial Circuit are encouraged to contact [email protected].