Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Celebrating Our Pro Bono Champions at the 2026 Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Awards
On May 7, 2026, the 19th Annual Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Awards honored Hillsborough County lawyers, law firms, paralegals, and organizations for their 2025 pro bono contributions. Crossroads For Florida Kids reported 2,903 pro bono hours last year, with 40 volunteers recognized for contributing 20 or more hours. It’s a number we’re… Read More »
You Make This Possible
Donor & Volunteer Appreciation Reception | April 26, 2026 Some evenings remind you exactly why this work matters — April 26th was one of them. We gathered with donors, volunteers, and members of the legal community who stand behind the youth we serve. The room included several judges who regularly refer young clients to… Read More »
We’ve Got a New Home!
Big news — Crossroads For Florida Kids has a new office space, and we are thrilled to share it with you! You can now find us at 625 E. Twiggs St., Suite 101 in Tampa — just one block from the courthouse. This is a meaningful milestone for our organization, and a reflection of… Read More »
National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Why Advocacy Matters
Every April, communities across the country pause to reaffirm a shared commitment: every child deserves safety, stability, and the chance to grow up surrounded by care. National Child Abuse Prevention Month is both a call to awareness and a reminder that strong families and supportive communities are the foundation of child well‑being. The blue… Read More »
Volunteer Spotlight – Brianne “Bri” Wendol, Hall Booth Smith, P.C.
What inspired you to become an Attorney Ad Litem volunteer with Crossroads For Florida Kids? During my time at UF Law, I became involved with their Gator Team Child Juvenile Law Clinic. Through this clinic, we worked as Attorneys ad Litem for children in the dependency and delinquency systems in Alachua County. As someone… Read More »
Beads of Hope, Acts of Service, A New Beginning
By: Angela Rauber & Sasha Ledney, Hill Ward Henderson D.L. came into the delinquency system after charges involving her stepfather. Her home life was turbulent, and it was clear that the incident was connected to significant mental health challenges. Because the case was complex and extra support was needed, the judge referred her to… Read More »
Connecting with Future Advocates at Stetson Law’s Career Fair
Crossroads was proud to participate in Stetson University College of Law’s 2026 Career Fair, joining public and private organizations in meeting law students exploring their next steps in the profession. Stetson is committed to pro bono work, requiring every law student to participate, and students who complete at least 120 hours may receive the… Read More »
Volunteer Spotlight: Alex Mendez, Shrader Mendez
What inspired you to become an Attorney Ad Litem volunteer with Crossroads For Florida Kids? I wanted to become an AAL to help kids that don’t have the support throughout the legal system and legal process. It is important that children or young adults have support both legally as well as personally. Can you… Read More »
Celebrating Pro Bono at the HCBA 5K & Judicial Food Festival
Crossroads joined a record‑setting Judicial Food Festival and a sold‑out 5K celebrating pro bono service. We are honored to be part of a legal community that continually shows up for pro bono work and stands behind the youth we serve. Crossroads was proud to serve as a Silver Sponsor at the 22nd Annual Judicial… Read More »
Strengthening Advocacy in Juvenile Mental Health Court: A Collaborative CLE offering insight, clarity, and practical tools for supporting youth in JMHC
What does it really take to advocate for a young person in Juvenile Mental Health Court? On March 6, we brought the full JMHC team together to explore that question with our Crossroads attorneys — from the specialist who guides the court’s structure to the therapists, school partners, and public defenders who shape each… Read More »