(FORT MYERS, Fla.) - Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS), a nonprofit law firm serving urban and rural communities across 13 Florida counties and farmworkers statewide, partnered with Lee County to launch the Helping Heroes project. The initiative offered free legal assistance to veterans, first responders, and their widows, focusing on drafting essential legal documents such as simple wills, power of attorney, and medical directives.
The project, which ran from November 12 to December 1, opened registration to qualified applicants who were prescreened and matched with volunteer attorneys. With limited availability, FRLS encouraged early applications to ensure participation. Volunteer attorneys provided their services at no cost, underscoring the community's commitment to honoring those who have dedicated their lives to public service.
“Florida has the third-largest veteran population in the nation, with more than 1.4 million veterans. Roughly 50,000 of those veterans call Lee County home,” stated William Rothenberg, HR Manager at Lee County in a social media post. He noted that in July, Lee County identified over 150 employees who served through its HEROES program. “Lee County Public Safety recognized a need and provided the inspiration for a new partnership with Florida Rural Legal Services.”
Britt Berg, Pro Bono Manager at FRLS, shared her gratitude for the program's impact. “We are so very thankful for the opportunity to have been able to recognize and support the true Heroes, our veterans and first responders, who every day put others before themselves. This was a fantastic opportunity for Florida Rural Legal Services to honor our Heroes and support them with legal services, made possible through the great support of Volunteer Private Attorneys. Thank you so much for your services and everything you do!”
Helping Heroes marked the first collaboration of its kind between FRLS and Lee County. The project sought to address a critical need for accessible legal aid while honoring the sacrifices made by veterans and first responders.
FRLS representatives expressed pride in the initiative, highlighting the importance of giving back to those who protect the nation and its communities. “This project serves those who have given everything to protect our freedoms and keep us safe,” a spokesperson for FRLS stated.
As the program concluded, organizers expressed hope that Helping Heroes would pave the way for future efforts to support the legal needs of underserved populations across Florida.