By Susan Koenig
CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) Pinellas was founded by Sr. Margaret Freeman in 1977 as the “Free Clinic Spouse Abuse Shelter” providing emergency housing for up to eight domestic violence survivors at a time. Today this 501c3 organization provides emergency shelter for 133 people at a time as well as on-site support services – rapid re-housing program, children’s programs and an outreach department providing support groups and peer counseling.
CASA’s mission is to challenge all forms of domestic violence including physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that intimidate, harm or terrorize another person. Their motto “Stand Up To Silence” translates to action, eliminating domestic violence through advocacy, prevention, intervention and support services.
CASA recently opened the only Family Justice Center (FJC) in the state of Florida. It operates a 24-hour domestic hotline (727-828-1269), support groups, economic empowerment, legal advocacy, non-residential programs, a Child Protective Investigative team and more under one roof so that a distressed client/victim can address all their needs at one place without having to navigate a complex system.
At the heavily secured FJC, the client enters into a pleasant comfortably furnished living room and is assigned a case worker. If there are children involved, the on-site day care center takes care of them, even offering crates for the family pets. Since the center opened in October 2022, the number of clients seeking help has increased by 65%! CASA’s knowledgeable and charming CEO, Lariana Forsythe, herself a victim of domestic violence, is proud of the brand-new facility and all the services contained therein, not to mention her staff, whom she explains is doing “front line work,” saving lives every day. info@casa-stpete.org
Consider donating your slightly used treasures (apparel, home goods, shoes, jewelry) to the best thrift shop ever located on CASA’s first floor at 1011 First Ave. N in downtown St. Pete. This impressive, clean and organized store raises significant funds for CASA’s programs along with grants and fundraisers. Donations are always welcome. Their annual fundraiser, Rhinestone Rodeo, is 4/21 5:30-10pm at The James Museum. casapinellas.org/event/gala