January 10, 2024

Introducing CASA Marion

News

CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) to Provide Domestic Violence Services in Marion County

Nationally recognized Florida domestic violence agency extends certified services

Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) has been providing exceptional domestic violence services in Pinellas County for 46 years. The award-winning Florida-certified domestic violence service agency, CASA, has now expanded to begin serving Marion County survivors through the newly formed “CASA Marion,” effective immediately.

CASA Marion will operate under the umbrella of CASA. CASA Marion will include an advisory committee and board members on the CASA board of directors to support the organization’s efforts in Marion County. Newly approved board members to the CASA board of directors include Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, with more Marion County members to be named soon.

CASA has a proven track record of successfully growing and increasing services for survivors of domestic violence. CASA is one of the largest certified domestic violence centers in Florida, operating one of the state’s largest domestic violence shelters, and providing an array of support services for survivors including the only Family Justice Center in the state, nearly $2 million in rehousing assistance annually, and much more. CASA aims to bring a similar level of care and services to survivors and their children in Marion County through services like emergency shelter, community education, 24-hour domestic violence hotline, advocacy and case management, youth programming, and legal support. CASA intends to expand and add services over time.

“We want to make sure the citizens of Marion County continue to thrive in our community,” stated Marion County Commission Chair Michelle Stone. “The Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force set out to find ways to deliver assistance to those experiencing domestic violence, and I believe the CASA Marion partnership will elevate our abilities to provide quality survivor care in Marion County.”

Great attention was taken in the creation of CASA Marion to capitalize on CASA’s success and financial accountability, but also to ensure that both Marion County and Pinellas County investments serve the intended communities. Ian Womack, CASA Board Chair and Division Chief for the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Department said, “In conversations about CASA extending services in Marion County, two main priorities emerged. First, with CASA’s vision of a society free from domestic violence, how could we not step in to help deliver quality services knowing Marion County survivors desperately needed assistance? Second, the expansion had to responsibly ensure top-quality services in both counties, while respecting local donor intent and maintaining fully separate financials.”

A press conference is scheduled for February 7, 9:30am, at the College of Central Florida’s Webber Center hosted by the Marion County Hospital District. Community members will meet the CASA team and ask questions of the Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force. The press conference will feature remarks from CASA leadership, as well as representatives from Marion County government and law enforcement. RSVP to info@mchdt.org.

“There has been a pressing need in the Marion County community to advance the level of care for survivors of domestic violence,” said Sheriff Billy Woods. “I am excited about the relationship our community is building with CASA Marion to deliver confidential, free, trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence.”

The growth of services for survivors of domestic violence is not new to CASA. In October 2022, CASA opened Florida’s only Family Justice Center, earning the 2023 National Purple Ribbon Award for Outstanding New Service Launch in the U.S. “The expansion of services in Pinellas County with the Family Justice Center, and now to provide services in Marion County reflects CASA’s commitment to addressing the widespread issue of domestic violence across Florida,” said Lariana Forsythe, CEO. “Marion County has seen a significant increase in domestic violence cases in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for expanded resources and support for survivors in the community. This initiative demonstrates CASA’s unwavering commitment to ending domestic violence everywhere.”

CASA is grateful for the Domestic Violence Agencies in surrounding counties who worked together to ensure survivors were protected and receiving services until CASA Marion could assume those duties. Participating agencies include:

• Another Way (Dixie, Columbia, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Levy Counties)
• CASA (Citrus County)
• Dawn Center (Hernando County)
• Hubbard House (Duval and Baker Counties)
• Lee Conley House (Putnam County)
• Peaceful Paths (Alachua, Bradford, and Union Counties)

About CASA:

Founded in 1977, CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) is the official 501c3 domestic violence center based in Pinellas County, FL. In October 2022, CASA opened Florida’s only Family Justice Center, earning the 2023 National Purple Ribbon Award for Outstanding New Service Launch in the U.S. CASA’s mission is to challenge the societal acceptance of all forms of domestic violence through advocacy, prevention, intervention, and support services. To learn more, visit www.casapinellas.org.

About CASA Marion: 

CASA Marion was established in 2024 to extend certified domestic violence services in Marion County, FL. Domestic Violence Survivors in need of services in Marion County may call (352) 722-CASA for assistance or visit www.casamarion.org to learn more.

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For media inquiries, please contact Amber Valente, avalente@casapinellas.org.