- Gulfcoast Legal Services (GLS) is a regional non-profit organization that leads the area’s fight against Human Trafficking. GLS provides free legal aid through counsel, advice, representation, advocacy, and education for vulnerable individuals and families in Tampa Bay.
- In partnership with Car Credit, Gulfcoast Legal Services works to make vital information available to both English and Spanish-speaking communities. Providing the latest data and advice to all potential victims as well as survivors of Human Trafficking ensures that all Tampa Bay residents are informed and protected against the threat of Human Trafficking.
- Gulfcoast Legal Services champions the rights of vulnerable persons through advocacy, education and secure sustainable financial support from both public and private sources. We need your help.
What is Human Trafficking? Download free information here.
Learn More
- 800-230-5920
DEFINITION OF
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
US federal law (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) defines a “severe form of trafficking in persons as:
Sex Trafficking: the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act which is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.
Labor Trafficking: the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection of involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.”
- Call Us Now: 800-230-5920
Gulfcoast Legal Services Leads
The Fight Against Human Trafficking
Since 2006, GLS has provided direct legal services to survivors of human trafficking in the Gulf Coast region of Florida.
Services include:
- Free Legal Support - Assistance is offered with family law, housing, financial stability, immigration, and other legal matters.
- Life Assistance - Case management providers help survivors access benefits for food assistance, health care, and a variety of other services.
- Victims’ Assistance - Since 2013, GLS has provided services through funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime to survivors in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties.
- Learning Opportunities - The Gulfcoast Legal Services human trafficking team leads awareness trainings (at no cost) for government agencies, other legal providers, law enforcement, and local organizations. Sessions are tailored to increase participants’ understanding of human trafficking, relevant laws, and resources available to survivors.
- Technical Assistance - GLS also provides free technical assistance and consultation on specific cases to professionals.
“As a result of this program, we have seen children experience increased overall nutrition, food security, and a sense of belonging and connection from our delivery volunteers.”
- Call us today: 800-230-5920
- Download free information on Human Trafficking here.
Gulfcoast Legal Services
Gulfcoast Legal Services (GLS) was formed in 1978 as a non-profit legal aid organization to serve low-income clients who otherwise may not be able to afford an attorney. GLS serves the greater Tampa Bay area with offices in Pinellas and Manatee Counties. Each office is staffed by experienced attorneys, paralegals, and support staff who provide high quality legal services in civil matters for eligible clients ranging from consultation and advice to full representation in court or before administrative agencies. Services are provided at no cost to the client.
GLS attorneys not only work out of the offices, but also visit homeless shelters, soup kitchens, senior centers, and abuse shelters to reach clients. Each GLS location hosts pro bono outreach clinics. Our attorneys also conduct informational seminars for clients, industry leaders, and private practice attorneys, and work closely with other local human services agencies to coordinate client services.
- Call us today: 800-230-5920
- Download free information on Human Trafficking here.
Fighting Human Trafficking Together:
Car Credit Tampa
Tackling a complex problem like Human Trafficking takes community-wide efforts. Gulfcoast Legal Services fosters collaboration and cooperation with regional partners, local bar associations, the Judiciary and other stakeholders, for the benefit of all.
A new partnership with Car Credit is providing enhanced accessibility of GLS information and services within the area’s Spanish-speaking community. “We’re not motivated by money; we’re motivated by people,” says Steve Cuculich, a renowned Tampa Bay philanthropist and owner of Car Credit Tampa. “Working with Gulfcoast Legal Services is another way Car Credit helps level the playing field for all our Tampa Bay neighbors.”
Car Credit Tampa continues to find ways to support important initiatives in the Tampa Bay region.
- Call us today: 800-230-5920
This page is made possible by the partnership between Gulf Coast Legal, Nuevo En US and Car Credit Tampa.
Nuevo en US is a 501 c-3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide vital assistance and information in Spanish to the immigrant community. Nuevo’s Road to the American Dream series is underwritten exclusively by Tampa-based philanthropist, Steve Cuculich, and Tampa Bay Car Credit dealerships. For more information, go to nuevoenus.org.