Ability1st, Crime Victims Assistance (VOCA)

*Program for persons with a disability who have been a victim of a crime or have become disabled as the result of a crime *Disabilities can be physical or mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, etc.

Services: Advocacy, Crime Victim Support, Crime Victim/Witness Counseling, Health/Disability Related Counseling

American Red Cross, Armed Forces Emergency Services

*Emergency services during times of need for armed forces members (active duty or retired with pension) and their families, including emergency communication, financial assistance and information and referral *Services: 1) emergency communications, ie births, serious illness, or death of a family member; 2) verification of need for emergency leave and leave extensions; 3) financial assistance for emergency travel, urgent needs, ie food or shelter; 4) confidential counseling, information, and referrals to military and health and support services; 5) assistance in understanding military policies; 6) direct impact of deployment, anxiety and complexities caused by separation; 7) support and information on issues from benefits or budgeting to deferments, compassionate reassignment and dependence discharge, (granting of leave is strictly between service member and his/her commanding officer) *When calling, be prepared to provide the following information as is known: full legal name; rank/rating; branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard); Social Security number; date of birth; military unit address; information about the deployed unit and home base unit (for deployed service members only); ongoing Support for Our Military Families; deployment Services

Services: Advocacy, Disaster Management Organizations, Disaster Relief Services, Emergency Funds, Military Family Service/Support Centers, Specialized Information and Referral

Area 02B HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator

*Central point of contact for HIV/AIDS issues *Participation in statewide, regional, and county program planning *Coordinate with local disease control staff *Community outreach and education *Assess and evaluate management of counseling, testing, and referral programs *Assisting or supervising planning and coordination of patient care related activities

Services: Advocacy, AIDS/HIV Control

DCF, Florida Children's Ombudsman

*Children's Ombudsman is strictly for children and young adults WHO ARE ALREADY IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM *The Children's Ombudsman can explain relevant policy and procedures and may take complaints from children in the system regarding placements, care, or services *The Children's Ombudsman DOES NOT respond to emergencies or investigate allegations of abuse or neglect or deal with families, only the child in the system *To report abuse, neglect or abandonment a child or vulnerable adult, call the FL Abuse Hotline at 800-962-2873

Services: Advocacy, Children's Protective Services

Disability Rights Florida

*Statewide designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida *Information and referrals *Investigates complaints of abuse, neglect and rights violations *Negotiation and mediation support *Equal access to public and private venues *Does not cover anything that is not DIRECTLY RELATED to an individual's disability *Helps with assistive technology *Call or go on line for intake *Serves the entire state of Florida

Services: Advocacy, Assistive Technology Equipment, Consumer Complaints, Disability Rights Groups, Representative Payee Services, Specialized Information and Referral

DOEA, Florida Panhandle Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

*Certified volunteers investigate and attempt to resolve complaints involving residents in nursing homes, adult family care homes, skilled nursing units, and assisted living facilities by enforcement of laws and regulations.

Services: Advocacy, Consumer Complaints, Elder Abuse Prevention, Planning/Coordinating/Advisory Groups

FDVA, Florida Dept of Veterans Affairs

*Assists Florida's veterans, their families and survivors to improve their health and economic well-being through advocacy regarding benefit information, educational programs, and long term care service *Refers clients to appropriate veterans services, information and referral services are provided by phone and website, several Veteran Crisis Hotlines on the website to include 9-8-8 (24/7), COVID 19 updates and public health related issues *Coordinates programs with Governor's Office, Florida Legislature, and Florida Congressional Delegation

Services: Advocacy, Specialized Information and Referral, Veteran Benefits Assistance

Florida Justice Institute

*State-wide non-profit public interest law firm advocating for civil rights issues *Corrections: deliberate indifference to medical or mental health needs, excessive force, wrongful death, conditions of confinement, censorship, medical malpractice *Prisoner Reentry Project: education to restore civil rights after release *Disabilities: advocacy for access available to all venues and fight against discrimination *Housing discrimination *Important civil rights or civil liberties issues that may impact a large number of people *Best to contact via website, but may call if internet access is not available

Services: Advocacy, Disability Rights Groups, Discrimination Assistance, Ex-Offender Reentry Programs

LOSSteam of the Big Bend

THIS IS NOT A HOTLINE FOR THOSE FEELING SUICIDAL: PLEASE CALL 988 *LOSS: Local Outreach to those who have lost a a loved one to suicide; a two-person team of trained suicide loss survivors and mental health professionals serving as volunteers to be a resource of support, help and hope to bereaved survivors no matter how long ago the sucicide occured; can be contacted 24/7 by phone or by text at 741741for supportive services immediately and then for as long as needed to decrease their risk of suicide, strengthen mental health and help cope with grief; the LOSS Team will travel to see the bereaved person face to face, or provide assistance over the phone, and also provides a monthly support group *Collaborative effort of NAMI-Tallahassee, law enforcement agencies, and community partners including providing packets to victim advocates for Leon County Sheriff's office and Tallahassee Police Department with information and referrals for help

Services: Advocacy, Bereavement and Grief Counseling, Suicide Loss Survivors Support Groups, Suicide Prevention Programs, Volunteer Opportunities

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Northwest Florida Office

*Victim advocacy and services to aid people whose loved ones have been killed or injured in alcohol or drug related automobile crashes; crisis intervention through emotional support, victim support literature and information about criminal justice system; victim impact panels where available *Referrals to guide survivors through grieving process, criminal advocacy referrals to helpful agencies, accompanying victims to court and assisting with preparation of victim impact statements and with applications for crime victim compensation *Monitors court cases to see that existing drunk driving laws properly enforced *Speakers available for educating public regarding alcohol or drug related crashes

Services: Advocacy, Crime Victim Support, General Bereavement and Grief Support Groups