Jacob struggled with math. When his dad saw his report card, he screamed at both Jacob and his mom, then threw everything he could get his hands on.

That wasn’t the first time.

Jacob was terrified. He didn’t want his dad to lose his cool – again.

He wished things were different as he watched his dad throw the TV remote inches from his mom’s head – almost in slow motion.

As soon as Jacob’s dad left the house an hour later, his mom called CASA to safety plan with an Advocate. Then, they packed their bags to stay at CASA’s emergency shelter.

While driving to the shelter, Jacob had so many thoughts swirling in his mind. What would the shelter look like? Would there be other kids his age? Would he finally feel safe?

When they arrived at the shelter, Jacob and his mom were greeted by a CASA Advocate. She smiled at Jacob and asked if he wanted to see the Youth Center. As they walked down the hallway together, his fears began to melt away.

The Advocate opened the door to the Youth Center and Jacob lit up when he saw the big, bright, open room filled with toys and books and art supplies. He explored the entire room before settling into an art project with the Youth Advocate and another boy who was one grade ahead.

On Monday morning, Jacob went back to school with his friends. CASA’s community collaboration allowed Jacob to attend the same school with no interruption – even though they lived at CASA’s shelter instead of at home. Later that week, Jacob began on-site math tutoring with a CASA Advocate, who was able to provide support through the shelter’s Resource Center.

Through hard work and guidance, Jacob improved his math grade and finished with a B+. He beamed with pride as he entered the Youth Center to announce his accomplishment on the last day of school.

Jacob recently started thinking about what next year would look like. As he sat with a Youth Advocate and built his school out of clay, he noticed how hopeful he felt.

“I’m not afraid anymore. I know I can do this,” he said confidently to the Youth Advocate.

Children in homes with violence are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate 1500% higher than the national average. Last year alone, 244 children slept safely in CASA’s emergency shelter for a total of 10,974 bed nights.

Can you imagine trying to focus on school when you don’t even feel safe in your own home?

This doesn’t have to be the reality for children in Pinellas County.

You can help kids like Jacob.

With your support, families can complete safety planning faster, allowing them to get to safety quicker.

With your support, children will learn the tools they need to foster healthy relationships through CASA’s Peacemaker Program.

And with your support, children like Jacob will feel safe and supported during the scariest time in their lives.

Can we count on you to stand up to silence and change the world for children experiencing trauma? You have the power to help protect them. It’s through your donation that the next generation can lead healthier, safer lives.