Howard Talenfeld learned early about advocacy and speaking up for those unable to stand up for themselves.  On a personal level, Howard and his family learned about the challenges of caring for their sister Bess, born with a developmental disability.  

As an attorney, Howard was able to make an even greater difference for the elderly, the mentally challenged and children in the Florida foster care system.   A shareholder in the law firm, Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky and Abate, he is one of several attorneys that are championing for individuals that need a voice.   

Howard has been in practice with the firm over 27 years,  focusing on protecting the rights of the vulnerable in civil rights cases and personal injury, his litigation has resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and changes in governmental and private care for children and elderly.

Howard recently joined forces with the Jewish Federation of Broward County, helping the developmentally challenged Jewish population.    Serving as the chair of the disability committee, he is fighting to fill the many needs of this group.   “I believe there is a vacuum in terms of housing and community services, employment opportunities for these folks, before we concentrated on educational needs, but now we need to look beyond that to residential and other services.”

A  caring and driven man, Howard has been able to find the perfect love match when he met his wife, Julie, public relations executive and business owner, also as involved and committed to the community as Howard.   The super couple was introduced a few years ago, when Julie’s philanthropic path crossed with Howard, when she was serving on the board of Florida’s Children First (FCF).   Howard is the founding president of FCF, the statewide organization that advocates for children at risk in foster care and in the delinquency system. 

Parents of a blended family of five children, Howard and Julie, are role models for their own children, teaching by their examples of community service in the South Florida area.    They recently hosted a Hanukah celebration for the children of Jafco, and are members of Kol Ami Emanuel.  

With major successes in the area of children’s and elderly rights, Howard has been featured on ABC’s 20/20 and Good Morning America with his landmark $5 million dollar settlement on behalf of five siblings in foster care in Broward County.  He has met with senators, representatives and governors, and many other leaders as part of his efforts to make a difference.

“It’s never too late to step up to the plate and make a difference,” Howard noted.  “I had no idea there was an advocate inside of me when I began my law practice.   I only have one life to live and I want to do the most I can, the Federation is a place where you can merge your professional, personal and religious life, coming together to meet the needs of the Jewish community.”

Tags: Howard Talenfeld, Jewish Federation of Broward County

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