April 1, 2020

CASA Connections - April

News

While many companies are implementing remote work policies or closing up shop as they ride out COVID-19, our team is busier than ever serving dozens of adults and children in our shelter. In an effort to encourage social distancing, we have added TVs to our wishlist in hopes that residents will spend more time in their individual suites. In addition, you’ll find a need for cleaning supplies, as well as games and toys to keep the children busy as they shelter-in-place. Please consider purchasing an item to help us keep our shelter clean and safe during this time.

As many of us look to Amazon to fulfill our needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, don’t forget to choose CASA as your charity of choice and shop using the Amazon Smile Link and a portion of your total will go back to helping CASA serve survivors of domestic violence.

This is a stressful and uncertain time for most people, but for survivors of domestic violence who may be self-isolating with an abusive partner, the COVID-19 pandemic creates a different kind of threat to safety. All of CASA’s non-residential services such as justice advocacy, safety planning, injunction for protection attorney program, and more are still available and can be accessed through our 24-hour hotline at 727-895-4912. If you are unable to call you can email info@casa-stpete.org and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Here are a few tips and digital tools for survivors to help create a safety plan and assess your level of danger.

Did you know the $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill signed into law last week has an important benefit for supporters making charitable gifts? The bill now allows for a $300 above-the-line charitable income tax deduction for cash donations made in 2020. So those who take the standard deduction, if you give $300 to charity, you’d get the $300 tax break in addition to the standard deduction.

Did you know we also have a custom planned giving website dedicated to helping you with bequests, charitable gift annuities, and IRA charitable rollovers? Find out more today!

Due to COVID-19, the CASA Community Thrift Shop will be closed beginning Thursday, March 26, 2020, until further notice.

For the safety of our staff, we will not be accepting any donations during this time. Donations to our Thrift Shop generate critical revenue which funds CASA’s domestic violence programs — we would greatly appreciate it if you saved any items you planned on donating to us for when our doors reopen.

If you’re interested in finding more ways to support CASA, make sure to follow us on social media for updates and consider donating online, any amount counts.

We appreciate your support during this difficult time.

CASA Attorneys will continue taking new clients seeking injunction for protections for domestic violence, stalking, and sexual violence, at no charge, regardless of income status.

For representation at any stage of the injunction for protection process, including courtroom representation, please call 727-895-4912 x133

CASA Justice Advocates will continue assisting survivors of domestic violence through civil and criminal court proceedings. To speak with an advocate call 727-253-3603

Both CASA Attorneys and Justice Advocates can walk you through the process of new online forms and virtually assist you through your case.

The way COVID-19 has changed life as we know it has been difficult for even the strongest and the most patient of us to process. To help ease the struggles of our participants and supporter alike, we put together information on resources such as hand sanitizer, companies hiring, at-home activities, and more.

As social isolation and financial stress increases, a rise in domestic violence is inevitable. The good news is that you don’t have to feel hopeless — here are five ways you can be a better bystander in your neighborhood and community should you witness or suspect an incident of domestic violence.