February 6, 2024

New Domestic Violence Shelter Opens in Marion County

News

New Domestic Violence Shelter Opens in Marion County

By Emma Delamo

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – Months after a domestic violence shelter shut its doors in Ocala, a new one is assisting victims across Marion County.

Lariana Forsythe, CEO of Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) in Pinellas County, says she responded to a RFI from the Department of Children and Families to help.

“Unfortunately with the shelter closing in Marion County, all of the surrounding counties of course have been doing their very, very best to support Marion County survivors until there was an entity in place to do so,” said Forsythe.

Marion County was left without a shelter when the only location closed in August because of funding cuts.

CASA extended their certification to be a provider in Marion County. They began providing services January 1 and opened a temporary shelter last week. Forsythe told TV20 a temporary shelter was created in the meantime to provide resources as quickly as possible.

Sheriff Billy Woods and Commissioner Michelle Stone were appointed to CASA’s board of directors to support the organization. CASA leaders will work with the county to find a larger, long-term solution.

“They’ll be able to provide resources to our domestic violence survivors here in our community and they’ll be able to provide outreach and education to those who are in need,” said Marion County Community Services Director Cheryl Martin.

One woman who works with domestic violence survivors told TV20 she’s happy to have this resource back.

“A lot of people don’t want to transfer to another county,” said Darnitha Johnson, founder of Royal Queens Women Empowerment. “They have their family here, they have their pets here, they have their children, so to have one locally here is great for the community.”

Forsythe says some survivors are already at the shelter, which can fit about 20 people, depending on family size.

“We’ll be adding a lot more services to our service offerings to make sure we can comprehensively help as many survivors and their children as possible,” said Forsythe.

Those seeking help can call CASA Marion’s 24-hour confidential hotline at 352-722-CASA (2272).

Click here to read the full article from WCJB.