The latest news and updates from the Legal Aid Society | |
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Proud To Have Pride:
Michael Andriano and His Story of Resilience
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The Legal Aid Society is a strong proponent of equal access to justice. Everything we do here is to support the vulnerable populations within our communities and give a voice to those who are typically overlooked. This includes standing up for the rights of residents regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity. How does the Legal Aid Society support the LGBTQ+ community? We partner with local organizations such as Orlando United to host legal clinics assisting residents who are victims of discrimination based on their self-identification. We find housing for children who are displaced from their parents simply because of how they choose to identify.
Legal Aid Society Board of Trustees member, Michael Andriano, recently shared his story and thoughts about Pride Month (celebrated during the month of June). Michael Andriano and his family are in a great place now, but this wasn’t always so. As a young man, Michael decided to live in his truth, sharing with his family that he identified as a gay man. What he once knew as a loving supportive family structure immediately turned into a shattered familial dynamic of isolation and reproach. Michael reminisces about his tumultuous experience labeling it as a sudden loss, “At the time I came out, my father had been a pastor for the majority of my life, and up until some years after, and my family was very religious. I was kicked out of my home and basically disowned by my family. I suddenly went from having a strong support system to having no one (with the exception of my loving grandmother who took me in). It was hard. I was alone and didn’t always make the best decisions because I was lost trying to find that love and warmth that I once had within my family. I was even sent to a mild version of conversion therapy that involved intense counseling. Of course, the goal of that counseling was to “turn me straight” and make me repent. To the contrary, I received the counseling as a benefit because it made me better understand who I am and that I was just fine with that.”
Unfortunately, Michael’s story of rejection is not unique to those within the LGBTQ+ community. Every day, children are abandoned and neglected by their families when it is discovered that they identify as anything other than straight, or their gender assigned at birth. This is where our organization takes a stand. Our attorneys attend court hearings ensuring the safe placement of these children in homes where they will receive adequate love and support regardless of their sexual orientation and identity. We advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ members ensuring they are free from discrimination and denial of services in areas such as housing, marital rights, and consumer battles.
After several years of being estranged, Michael and his family reconciled with one another about a decade ago, and his father has even agreed to officiate his wedding one day should he choose to marry. His mother also now marches alongside him at Pride Month parades wearing her “Free Mom Hugs” t-shirt and the love he once felt from his family as a child, has been restored.
Michael is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and uses his experience and platform as a dedicated Central Florida attorney to be a voice for others. What he wants everyone to be mindful of, is how we interact with one another. Whether you are an advocate of LGBTQ+ rights, in the community or not, he encourages society to think about spreading love and not hate. “Extend grace and kindness”, he pleads. “I realize that I am lucky and I’m very grateful for this resolution because I know this does not happen for every LGBTQ+ person. I’ve come to a place where I am okay with the “dents” and the bumps along the way because that is what has made me who I am. I was maybe meant to travel that horrid journey so that I could be prepared to share my story with the hopes of bringing healing and understanding to those LGBTQ persons and their families going through something similar. I think through the Legal Aid Society’s advocacy, support, and hard work and through our legal community in general, we can move the needle from a place of misunderstandings and discrimination to a place of healing and progression.”
He also encourages individuals seeking help to reach out to community partners for assistance, such as the Zebra Coalition which is an organization dedicated to housing LGBTQ+ adolescents and providing critical services to them when displaced from their homes. If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and believe your legal rights and access to justice are being infringed upon, please don’t hesitate to contact the Legal Aid Society office by calling 407.841.8310 or by sending an email to info@legalaidocba.org. We are here for you.
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All It Takes Is One:
Mara Shorr’s Heart to Serve
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"I was taught to leave your community better than you found it." -Mara Shorr | |
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Mara Shorr is powerhouse within the medical field, successfully co-owning and managing Shorr Solutions, a medical practice consulting firm. She runs the company alongside her father, Jay Shorr who she graciously thanks for being a great father and role model. Shorr Solutions provides consulting to medical professionals assisting with finances, negotiations, human resources expertise, phone & sales training, vendor selection, marketing strategies, and other critical services helping medical offices maintain credibility and ease of operations. Mara is dedicated and loves the work she does. After all, the nationally-known, award-winning company has been in business for over a decade and has an extensive list of clients who trust her expertise.
Beyond her professional life, Mara is a trusted powerhouse in another area…social responsibility. Mara Shorr dedicates a large portion of her time to assist the Legal Aid Society with its Guardian ad Litem program as a Volunteer Advocate for Children (VAC). Mara regularly visits and advocates for children in the dependency system who have been abused, neglected, and abandoned. She even fundraises and rallies for contributions of toys, clothes, and other essential items to bring a sense of normalcy to the lives of Central Florida’s foster children.
Though Mara does not have a legal background, the work she does as a VAC is extremely important and vital to the success of our organization. “Being a Volunteer Advocate for Children is one of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking things I have ever done, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Mara says. “We laugh and cry together; celebrate the successes, push through the pain. Me, the kids, and the families caring for them have all become a true team.” Her kind-hearted spirit and gentle care have helped her gain the trust of the children she advocates for and gives them hope, reminding them that there are still good people who have their best interest…despite the tragic abuse they’ve experienced. Our appreciation for Mara’s contributions goes beyond what words can say. We are grateful for individuals like Mara who do their part in helping Orange County’s residents, spreading perpetual goodness.
Just like Mara, you don’t have to be an attorney to make a difference. Here at the Legal Aid Society, we have several opportunities and adequate training to help you help your community. Whether you’re a retired nurse, an undergraduate college student, a grocery store cashier, or even a veteran, we have a place for you here. If you’d like to become a Volunteer Advocate for Children today, please give us a call at 407.841.8310 or send an email to ktaylor@legalaidocba.org. Thank You.
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In Case You Missed It:
The Domino Effect - Episode 1 Featuring Commissioner Emily Bonilla
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The Legal Aid Society's first episode of The Domino Effect premiered on June 8, 2022 at 8 PM. Topics discussed included domestic violence, housing and evictions, as well as discussions regarding consumer issues and human trafficking. We are grateful to Orange County's District 5 Commissioner, Emily Bonilla, for being a part of this informative series. To view, you may click here.
Orange County's Board of Commissioners have listened to their community's needs and will be addressing some of those needs on more episodes of The Domino Effect while also receiving important, resourceful information from a legal perspective provided by our staff attorneys. More topics to be discussed will include housing defense, senior benefits, consumer debt, sealing & expunction, immigration, and more.
Our organization is grateful to the Orange County, FL Government for partnering with us to raise awareness on the socioeconomic issues facing our residents. We believe that every person, organization, company, and entity within Orange County has the ability to have a positive impact on the community through perpetual goodness, or as we call it...The Domino Effect.
The next episode will feature Orange County's District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe and attorney Camilo Parra. The episode is set to premiere on July 8, 2022 at 8 PM and can be live-streamed on www.OrangeCountyFL.net as well as on Orange TV (Spectrum Channel 488; Comcast 9) and Vision TV (Spectrum Channel 492; Comcast Channel 98). It will also be viewable from Legal Aid Society social media pages.
Beneficial sponsorship opportunities are still available. If you're interested in making a difference helping the residents, families, and children of Orange County through The Domino Effect series, while also gaining exposure to your local business, please contact Development Director Donna Haynes at 772-812-5175 or by emailing dhaynes@legalaidocba.org. Thank You!
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FREE IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE! | |
The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. can help residents become United States Citizens! Our staff and pro bono attorneys are dedicated legal professionals here to assist with what can be a long, difficult process. If you or someone you know needs assistance filing for citizenship, please contact us today at 407-841-8310!
If you would like to take a pro bono immigration case, please click here for more information.
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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.
Upcoming Trainings:
IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL - July 12, 2022 “Champagne Taste and a Beer Budget - Discovery in a Family Law Matter" presented by Ritcy Canelon, Family Law Staff Attorney
IN PERSON & VIRTUAL - July 26, 2022 “Interviewing Children for Best Interest Advocacy” presented by Marie Priebe, GAL Program Director of Special Projects
We have sponsorship opportunities for these informative trainings. Want exposure for your business within the legal community? Please contact Donna Haynes at dhaynes@legalaidocba.org for more information. Thank You!
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info@legalaidocba.org | 407.841.8310 | |
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. | | | | | |
