The latest news and updates from the Legal Aid Society |
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In Loving Memory:
Susan Khoury
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The Legal Aid Society honors the memory of our dearest Susan Khoury who was devoted to the improvement of Orange County's communities through her service with our organization.
Susan Khoury began her work at the Legal Aid Society in 1985 and soon became the long-term Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program Director.
The entire Legal Aid Society family has been saddened to hear of Susan's passing and our thoughts are with her loved ones and everyone whose lives were positively impacted by her kind heart.
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"Through her ever-present grace, devotion, and determination, Susan defined the Orange County GAL Program. She was so earnest in everything she did and so kind to everyone she encountered. Susan will live on here at the Legal Aid Society with every win for a foster child and every time love defeats hate.”
- Bethanie Barber, Executive Director, Legal Aid Society
"Susan was incredibly kind to me. She saw me when no one else did. She gave me a chance when no one else would. I am deeply grateful to have had the honor of knowing Susan and her beautiful heart. I am forever thankful for her kindness, inspiration, and her words of encouragement. Her generosity changed my life."
- Melissa Latorre, GAL Document Access Specialist, Legal Aid Society
"Susan Khoury was loved, and will be missed. In many ways, large and small. I remember a song she would always quote lyrics from. It was a hymn titled, "On Eagle's Wings". I will now rely on the lyrics from that song, with a faint smile and tears standing in my eyes, as I remember how honored I was to cross paths with this beloved soul."
- Donna Haynes, Development Director, Legal Aid Society
To honor Susan's memory, please consider taking a GAL pro bono case and making a financial contribution to our GAL Program by clicking here. The Legal Aid Society will be partnering with Page & Eichenblatt, P.A. of Orlando, FL to host an event in Susan Khoury's memory. Further details will be released soon.
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Free Bikes & Easter/Spring Treat Baskets for Central Florida's Youth! |
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Temporary Protected Status
for Ukrainian Nationals
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“In these extraordinary times, we will continue to offer our support and protection to Ukrainian nationals in the United States.”
- Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security
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During the month of March, Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. “Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries,” said Secretary Mayorkas.
TPS designation for a country may be authorized when country conditions meet one or more of the following statutory bases for designation: ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. DHS has based Ukraine’s TPS designation on both the ongoing armed conflict with Russia and the resulting extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that preclude a safe return of Ukrainian nationals to Ukraine. Following this designation, Ukraine joins a list of 12 other countries whose nationals are currently eligible for TPS.
To be eligible for TPS under this designation, Ukrainian nationals must have continuously resided in the United States before March 1, 2022. TPS designation will not be available to Ukrainians who traveled to the U.S. and arrived after March 1, 2022.
Ukrainians interested in pursuing TPS must register for protection during a defined registration period, pay all associated fees, and establish eligibility for TPS. TPS may be issued regardless of present immigration status in the United States, and all applicants must undergo security and background checks. The TPS designation for Ukraine will take effect upon a forthcoming publication in the Federal Register, which will establish the registration period and provide instructions for individuals to apply for TPS and an associated Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. is utilizing its resources to assist Ukranian nationals with their TPS applications free of charge. If you are seeking assistance, please contact us at 407-841-8310 or send an email to info@legalaidocba.org. If you are a lawyer and would like to offer pro bono assistance to Ukranian nationals during this time, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Thank You.
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Is Your Orange County Bar Association Membership In Good Standing? |
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Free Tax Assistance
Through VITA Tax Clinic!
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FREE IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE! |
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Legal Aid Society Lunchtime Trainings |
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The Legal Aid Society will be hosting a series of trainings providing in-depth insight to various legal issues. These Lunchtime trainings are reserved for Lawyers, Paralegals, & Law Students. While these trainings are virtual requiring registration via Zoom, you may attend in-person.
If you'd like to attend in-person, please be sure to register directly with Marilyn Carbo (mcarbo@legalaidocba.org) or Michelle Erazmus (merazmus@legalaidocba.org). Free lunch is provided for those attending in-person, but please note space is limited. All trainings will be held at the Orange County Bar Association (880 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801).
All trainings will be uploaded on the Legal Aid Society website here.
We are also seeking sponsors for these trainings. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Donna Haynes at dhaynes@legalaidocba.org. Thank You!
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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT:
Homeless Veterans Project
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Our veterans are one of our most vulnerable populations throughout the United States. Here in Orange County, FL, the Legal Aid Society utilizes its resources to assist veterans with their legal service needs free of charge. Most recently, we held a drive to benefit our homeless veterans throughout Central Florida.
This project has been sponsored by Costco, Lauren Brusca of Brusca Law, Brandon Gans of Gans Law, Chris Schrysen of Equity Prime Mortgage, and Bigelow Tea.
We thank each of you for making contributions to aid us in assisting our brave, honorable veterans. If you'd like to make a contribution to our Homeless Veterans Project, please contact Donna Haynes at dhaynes@legalaidocba.org or click here to make a donation. Thank You.
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info@legalaidocba.org | 407.841.8310 |
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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. |
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