Payer Law’ Local Community Involvement
As personal injury lawyers serving the Miami community, our team at Payer Law finds ways to help the local population beyond providing legal services. One of the ways we serve the Miami community is by becoming involved in local charities, including a recent fundraiser for Kristi House.
Kristi House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding child victims of sexual abuse and taking steps to combat child sexual abuse. It operates the Orlowitz-Lee Children’s Advocacy Center, which is made up of seven agencies that provide legal, medical, and emotional health resources for children who have suffered from sexual abuse and those involved in sex trafficking. A key component of Kristi House’s mission is to hold the perpetrators of sexual abuse responsible for their actions.
Kristi House’s Origin
Kristi House began as a task force to combat child sexual abuse in 1994. In 1996, it was incorporated as a 501(c)3. The organization is named for a young girl named Kristi who became pregnant at nine years old following sexual abuse by her stepfather and gave birth at age 10. No interdisciplinary service like Kristi House existed at the time and although Kristi did receive some media attention and help, she continued to have a difficult life in the years that followed.
Child sex abuse and trafficking are still pressing issues in the United States. According to 2012 statistics related Ark of Hope for Children, Inc., between 600,000 and 800,000 people are trafficked for sex work across the globe each year. Fifty percent of these individuals are children, and among the children, two of every three are girls.
Supporting Kristi House through Involvement in Community Fundraising Events
Recently, Payer Law participated in the 11th Annual Breaking the Silence Luncheon, an event that involves an auction and donations from local groups, individuals, and businesses to raise money to allow Kristi House to continue to provide its services.
Other events Kristi House hosts throughout the year include its Disco Ball Dinner and Auction, and evening event that typically provides about 15 percent of Kristi House’s annual operating budget.
Who Benefits from Kristi House’s Services?
Kristi House has served its community for the past 22 years. In 2016, it provided services to 1,080 children. These services included:
- Compassionately conducted diagnostic assessments;
- Case coordination;
- Evidence-based therapy;
- Counseling;
- Transportation;
- Educational and enrichment programs; and
- Outreach services.
Often, young sexual abuse and trafficking victims cannot pursue justice because of a lack of funds. By raising money through events like the Breaking Silence luncheon, Kristi House can provide these and other necessary services to the children it serves without saddling them or their caregivers with debt.
Work with an Experienced Personal Injury Injury Attorney
Filing a personal injury claim after a car accident injury is not always a simple issue. For support and legal guidance as you pursue your claim, work with an experienced injury attorney. Contact our team at Payer Law today to schedule your initial consultation with us to discuss your case, your rights, and how you can best pursue your claim.
