February 2012

Domestic Violence in National News

Sportscaster James Brown Teams With Verizon Foundation to Launch Campaign to End Domestic Violence

Campaign Promotes Respect and Equality; Educates Men on How to Help Victims of Abuse

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Sportscaster James Brown, the host of CBS Network's "The NFL Today" and Showtime's "Inside the NFL," has teamed with Verizon to launch a national campaign to end domestic violence against women and men.

Brown appeared on several broadcast media outlets on Monday (Jan. 30) to enlist the support of sports fans to promote equality and respect, and to speak out against domestic violence.

"Domestic violence is an epidemic in all of our communities," Brown said. "That deepened my personal commitment and desire to help end domestic violence. It's my hope that millions of men join me in this campaign."

Through this campaign, Brown is promoting respect and equality - respect for yourself and in your relationships -- and he's asking men to be informed and be appropriately proactive when they witness disrespectful or abusive behavior.

"I'm here to encourage men and help them understand that they can have a very meaningful impact, much more easily than they think," Brown said. "Don't laugh at that inappropriate joke. Second, don't condone domestic violence with your silence. If you know someone who is abusive - physically, verbally, emotionally or financially - you as men can play a positive role, just like the coach of a team, and be helpful in changing behavior. This campaign will build awareness around the issues of domestic violence prevention and the resources available for helping those experiencing domestic violence and those who perpetrate it."More here

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Chelsi Kallis, a journalism student at USF St. Petersburg, who recently volunteered at CASA.

What I learned at CASA

by Chelsi Kallis

As a student at University of South Florida St. Petersburg, I was asked to volunteer at a domestic abuse shelter for a class assignment. Not knowing the difference between shelters, I picked the one which was closest. I was thrilled, in the end, to have the privilege to volunteer with CASA because the warm-hearted staff made it a joy to come back each time. Being a volunteer at CASA helped me grow a love for volunteering, and for helping the community.

            I spent time volunteering at CASA working with the children at CASA. I found CASA not only provides for the abused, but also for the children of the abused. The children are taken away from the terrifying reality they may have been living in to a day-care where they are loved. CASA provides each child with opportunities to see life isn’t only based on hardships, but also on enjoyment. The children are able to participate in activities like painting pictures for an auction at CASA. CASA volunteers help the children feel a part of something bigger so that they have a future to look forward to.
             
I believe that any one out there wondering where to donate their time or money should donate to CASA. Without support and donations, CASA will be forced to turn away those crying out for help. Clearly the economy is crying out for help as well, but it is economic hardship itself that calls for shelters like CASA of St. Petersburg. CASA is the shelter that supports victims until they are able to find a safe home.

With domestic violence hitting hard, CASA comes to the rescue providing the needed shelter. Economic hardships must not defeat CASA so that CASA can make it easier for victims to find a way out.

Have your own experience volunteering at CASA! Please call Danielle Schaffer, Volunteer Coordinator at (727) 895-4912 x 107 or e-mail dschaffer@casa-stpete.org.

Shawna, former CASA shelter resident.

A CASA Survivor Story

CASA offers help to all survivors of domestic violence.  In the CASA e-newsletter, from time to time, we tell you stories of individuals who have used CASA programs to begin to heal from abuse and put new lives together for themselves. Shawna’s is one of these stories.

Shawna was abused by a room-mate in Ft. Lauderdale and became homeless after the violence escalated. She had been making a living as a make-up artist for a large cosmetic company, and was forced to wash-up at a local Walgreen’s before going to work each day.  She eventually found a place at a homeless shelter in Broward, but did not feel safe there, partly because of the prejudice she experienced there. Shawna is trans-sexual.

An old friend from Ohio was moving to St. Petersburg and invited Shawna to move in with him.  When she arrived, with little more than the clothes she was wearing, her old friend withdrew his invitation.  In desperation, Shawna found CASA. CASA Advocate Lydia Rodriguez suggested Shawna come to the shelter.  She was doubtful at first  because of her previous experience, but, as she said, she was “fresh out of hope!”

The environment at the CASA shelter completely changed her direction. Like many new comers, she slept through her first two days at the shelter. When she could function, she was pleasantly surprised that she could talk to any staff member there.  All shelter residents have tasks which make communal living possible at CASA.  Shawna took several turns as the cook.  She made chili which was a great hit with the kids.  One little boy ate three bowls in one sitting! 

Shawna enjoyed her time at CASA!  “It’s homey and friendly,” she says.  “The people are there to help you.”  She became popular with staff and participants alike.  She helped the women with their clothes and make-up.  Bonnie Marshall, CASA’s Residential Director, says “Shawna had a unique ability to make people smile and laugh!”  CASA staff gave help to Shawna and Shawna gave back.

Working with a CASA advocate, Shawna made plans to go to school to earn her cosmetology license. She says, “The 45 days in the CASA shelter goes fast, and I made a plan so I would never be homeless again.” 

Today Shawna is working and living in her own apartment in St. Petersburg.  CASA is open to all those who are abused in domestic (live-in) situations.  CASA is a refuge and an opportunity to regain the ability to find one’s way.  Shawna is again contributing to the place where she lives because of the support she found at Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA).

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Leave a Legacy when planning your estate.

Including the following information for your bequest will allow you to impact the future of survivors of domestic violence and their children:


Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA)
P.O. Box 414
St. Petersburg, Florida 33731
Federal Tax I.D. #59-2114359

For more information, contact Stuart Berger, Development Director, at (727) 895-4912 x 114,
or e-mail sberger@casa-stpete.org

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Send your thoughts and ideas for our E-news to info@casa-stpete.org We encourage you to share this newsletter with your family, friends, and colleagues. If you'd like to receive CASA's E-news monthly please send your e-mail address and you will be included in CASA's e-mail subscription list. (Your information will not be shared). 

Links to selected previous CASA e-newsletters:

December 2011
October 2011
September 2011
July 2011