My husband Tom and I moved to St. Petersburg 3 ½ years ago and became immediately interested in learning more about this wonderful community and what makes it work well. Soon after we arrived I met Rachel Carpenter, a passionate and engaged community leader and successful entrepreneur, who now serves on CASA’s board. Drawing on Rachel’s passion and her introduction to Lariana Forsythe and team for a deeper dive including a visit to the shelter, I was incredibly impressed with the mission, the work and the thoughtful and respectful approach with which CASA supports families. While this kind of support directly helps individuals and families in immediate crisis, it also helps make our community stronger over the long term. By helping others find refuge when they need it most, while also helping to build networks of resources, and advocating for personal objectives to grow, we all emerge stronger together!
I have remained supportive and involved by riding the wave created by so many passionate and engaged people who care about bringing an end to domestic violence….too many in this community to name! I am inspired by the men, women and children who have benefited from CASA’s support to escape their abusive circumstances to find strength, support, respect, and love.
We all know someone. Someone who has experienced domestic abuse and the isolation and feelings of hopelessness and shame that accompanies that violence. I have two very close friends who have suffered greatly and have emerged stronger. Not everyone is as fortunate. During this pandemic, I think about the women, men, children and pets who are currently feeling trapped and afraid – not knowing that there may be a way out. We need to remember that those who suffer are among us – at work, at the grocery store, the gas station, the coffee shop, walking along the waterfront, at our kids’ sports activities. They are we.
What I would say to someone considering supporting CASA….is this. Through your support, voices are heard and change is possible. Together we can provide so much: shelter, resources, support, love, direction, access, hope, answers. Through our support kids find safety, parents find a positive path. Lives are changed. Through our support, our community is made stronger.
