VERO BEACH, FLA (November 18, 2025) – Gifford Legal Services Clinic (GLSC) and United Against Poverty of Indian River County (UP Indian River) have announced a groundbreaking partnership designed to help vulnerable families in Indian River County overcome the intertwined barriers of economic hardship and legal instability.
This collaboration provides tremendous value for our neighbors in need—combining pro bono attorney representation with wraparound social support to help families not just survive crises but build sustainable futures. Together, GLSC and UP will bridge the gap between legal aid and economic empowerment, recognizing that lasting stability requires addressing both legal and social-service needs.
“This partnership ensures that no one faces the legal system alone,” said John Moore, President of Gifford Legal Services Clinic. “By bringing legal help directly to the United Against Poverty Indian River campus, we’re meeting people where they already seek support—so they can be seen, heard, and understood when facing a legal issue.”
A Coordinated Approach to Family Stability
GLSC supports those in need by providing free legal assistance for everything from guided self-help to pro bono attorney representation for complex, life-changing cases. Its volunteer attorneys work alongside individuals and families until their legal issues are resolved, ensuring that each person receives the care, guidance, and advocacy they deserve.
This partnership also marks a milestone for GLSC—it represents the organization’s first off-site service location, expanding its reach and embedding legal help directly within UP’s dynamic community hub of social and economic services.
“With the growing demand for support services in our community, partnerships that combine strengths and human capital are what’s needed to move the needle,” added Matt Tanner, Executive Director of United Against Poverty of Indian River County. “The UP team is thrilled to work alongside Gifford Legal Services Clinic to create real, measurable change for local families.”
The bridge between the two organizations will flow both ways, creating real-time reciprocal referrals that meet families wherever they seek help. Someone who comes to the UP Center to utilize their Member Share Grocery Program may now encounter a GLSC attorney or paralegal ready to answer their legal question. Likewise, a client visiting GLSC for help with an eviction can be referred directly to UP for case-management resources—finding a new home, accessing emergency housing funds, enrolling in their workforce programs or participating in stability programs. This integration of social services into legal solutions creates a stronger foundation for a better life.
“When we meet people where they are and take time to listen, one conversation can truly change a life,” said Shutonna McGriff, Paralegal & Program Director at Gifford Legal Services Clinic. “That’s what this partnership is all about—helping families find hope and real solutions before problems spiral.”
Under this new initiative, Gifford Legal Services Clinic (GLSC) and United Against Poverty (UP) will integrate their strengths through a series of joint programs and data-driven outcomes tracking:
- Advice & Referral Sessions:
Every two weeks, a GLSC attorney and paralegal will hold free sessions at UP’s campus (1400 27th Street, Vero Beach) to provide on-site legal advice and referrals, complementing UP’s program resources. - Reciprocal Referrals:
A “warm handshake” referral process will ensure that families supported by one organization can seamlessly access the other’s services through coordinated staff contacts. - Free Legal Education Workshops:
GLSC will lead free educational workshops on many topics including housing rights, family law, wills and probate at the UP Indian River campus, with UP encouraging family participation to prevent eviction and improve housing and economic stability. - Joint Community Event:
An annual public event will highlight available services and celebrate the shared mission to strengthen families through connection and empowerment. - Shared Data for Shared Impact:
Both organizations will track non-identifying data on case types, service hours, and outcomes to evaluate success and continuously refine their joint model.
“Families rarely face one challenge at a time. GLSC brings trusted legal knowledge and representation; UP provides the wraparound support and resources families need to find stability. Together, we’re creating a one-stop hub for lasting change,” said Wendy McDaniel, Senior Manager, Crisis Services at United Against Poverty.
By uniting legal services with social empowerment, GLSC and UP are redefining what it means to serve the community—making the full spectrum of legal services more accessible, human-centered, and effective for families navigating housing crises, domestic violence, custody disputes, and other life-altering challenges.
About Gifford Legal Services Clinic
We believe everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and understood when navigating legal challenges. We have grown into a countywide effort committed to serving residents who do not have adequate access to legal services. We stand beside families in need—offering guidance, support, full case representation, and peace of mind when it matters most.
About United Against Poverty
United Against Poverty serves those in poverty by providing crisis care, case management, transformative education, food and household subsidy, employment training and placement, personal empowerment training and active referrals to other collaborative social service providers.
