Legal Aid Service of Broward County Successfully Launches New Community ID Initiative to Bridge Gap for Broward’s At-Risk Populations
Plantation, Florida (May 6, 2022) – In February, 2022, Legal Aid Service of Broward County announced a new Community ID Project, funded and authorized by Broward County, that will serve thousands of Broward County residents who lack a proper form of identification and cannot receive access to vital resources. Four Community ID events have already taken place throughout the County. Over 400 ID’s have been issued.
“There were two factors recognized when Broward County approved the use and distribution of these Community ID’s,” said Debra Koprowski, Esq., Deputy Executive Director of Legal Aid Service of Broward County. “One, there were many people in the community struggling to overcome the bureaucratic challenges of getting a state-issued identification card or other government-issued identification and two, it recognized the vulnerable groups who needed access included those such as the elderly, homeless, transgender, and formerly incarcerated persons.”
To reinforce a community-wide effort to accept these cards as valid identification, County Commissioners were looking to receive support from law enforcement, government programs, health centers, schools, non-profits, businesses, cultural arts organizations, civic groups, and community institutions.
The ID will assist participants to do such things as pick up their children from school and de-escalate encounters with law enforcement. Additionally, ID participants will be able to obtain services such as the COVID-19 vaccine and other health care, library cards, access to legal aid, financial services, and access to shelter for their families during a hurricane, storm, or other emergency.
“With the waitlist at over 3000 people, the need for this community initiative is clear,” continued Koprowski. “Legal Aid joins the County in seeking the support of the community.”
At each event, eligible residents will be required to submit proper documentation and will receive training describing the proper parameters of use. The cost for the Community ID is $20 (cash). To learn more about the Community ID Project, visit bit.ly/BrowardCommunityID.
About Legal Aid Service of Broward County
Legal Aid Service of Broward County is a not-for-profit law firm established in 1973. The mission is to provide high quality free civil legal advice, representation, and education to the poor of Broward County so as to improve the lifestyle and living conditions of the low-income community and to encourage self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit BrowardLegalAid.org or call 954-765-8950.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County is a 501(c)(3) corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer services #SC-02337. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352 within the state or visiting www.freshfromflorida.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.
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Aimee Adler Cooke
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