After surviving five surgeries to remove a brain tumor, 11-year-old TJ still found joy in his favorite place – school. But when his family moved to Gainesville, Fla., the school system couldn’t find a class for him. For three weeks, TJ waited to go to school.

Once at school, TJ was legally afforded accommodations. But, his mom Jordona found that school staff often did not adhere to or even know about TJ’s accommodations. And, the school nurse didn’t have access to TJ’s records.

Frustrated and concerned for TJ, who is medically fragile, Jordona turned to Southern Legal Counsel (SLC), a Florida Bar Foundation grantee. SLC lawyers advocate for accommodations and services, represent families in eviction and guardianship proceedings, and secure pro bono counsel to assist families. TJ and Jordona began working with SLC lawyer Abigail Adkins.

Now, with Abigail’s help, TJ has the resources he needs, like a safe environment to maneuver his wheelchair and awareness of his health conditions by school staff. He can attend school safely, knowing his needs will be addressed.

Your gift supports lawyers who work to:

• Protect children from physical abuse
• Ensure fair and equal access to schooling
• Access services for disabled children and those aging out of foster care
• Stop children from being trafficked
• Support children with complex medical needs
• Represent children whose parents are affected by the opioid crisis
• Secure shelter for children in need of stable housing