March 2008
In February,Verrita Walters, Transitional Housing Coordinator, invited a local poet to conduct a voluntary poetry workshop for residents of the Transitional Housing program. It was an opportunity for CASA participants to express the emotions they experienced as survivors of domestic violence. One of the residents wrote this powerful poem after the workshop.
Who Am I?
By a Current Resident
CASA Transitional Housing
Who Am I?
I am a woman of great inner strength.
What Am I?
I am strong and bold. Perfect I am not.
I will fall; but when I land whether soft
Or hard; I will hold my chin high and take a stand.
Who Am I?
I am like no other, ‘cause like my Dad says
God broke the mold.
So Who Am I?
I am human with flaws and mistakes;
Sometimes without realizing what’s at stake.
Life will throw me curve balls without warning and that’s
OK, it is not my call.
Who Am I?
I am wonderfully made by the Lord himself, and love myself however I am
Made. At times in my life there will be strife, there will be happiness and joy.
So Who Am I?
I am strong and bold like no other, ‘cause God broke the mold.
A NEED FOR CASA VOLUNTEERS
In February and March, CASA’s e-newsletter features the volunteer experience at CASA. This month we look at volunteering at the Pinellas County courthouse and at the CASA Youth Center. We hope you’ll be inspired to begin a volunteer experience of your own!
Volunteering for CASA at the Courthouse
CASA’S legal advocacy program is made up of two-full time legal advocates involved directly with court advocacy. The role of the legal program is to assist participants by helping them feel comfortable with the legal process. With an average of 300+ victims going through the court system each month, CASA volunteers are crucial to the safety of these victims. CASA legal volunteers are trained to assist petitioners by explaining eligibility for the Injunction process, assisting with completing the paperwork and the procedures if the respondent violates the injunction. CASA volunteers assess the needs of the victim and refer to appropriate CASA services.
Sheryl Wright, a Vice-President at WellCare Health Plans, volunteered at a domestic violence shelter in Dallas, where she lived before moving to St. Petersburg. She developed a passion for empowering women to get out of situations in which they are being abused. When she got settled in St. Petersburg, she looked for another place to lend her heart and hands to help abused women. When she found CASA there was a special need for legal advocate volunteers, and she jumped at the chance.
Sheryl says volunteering in the injunction room and in court is a great experience. Every day is something new, a new adventure! She helps survivors of domestic violence fill out paperwork to obtain an injunction against an abuser, answering questions and providing moral support. Then she works in the court room, standing beside the survivor as she faces her abuser and his attorney. She sees the survivors come full circle, walking them through the court procedure and then standing by them as it unfolds. She provides empathy and support. “A little support goes such a long way,” she says.
“I am so lucky to be able to do this.” says Sheryl. “There is great satisfaction in being able to help women move out of harrowing positions in which they have been badly abused, into stronger, more independent lives of accomplishment and peace. Hearing the stories of women just coming through a traumatic event, helping them apply for injunctions and restraining orders and then seeing them face their abuser in court, staying strong and clear. Seeing them learn to act for themselves – it just doesn’t get any better than this!”
CASA is in need of more Legal Advocate Volunteers like Sheryl. Talk to Bonnie Marshall, CASA Volunteer Coordinator, and let her help you decide if this is the kind of service you’d like to give. CASA Legal Advocates and Legal Advocate Volunteers provide courage through the daunting process of the legal system. They are the steady hands and voice that stay beside survivors of domestic abuse and provide a safe environment to those who have entrusted their future to CASA. Do you have it in you to help? Bonnie can be reached at (727) 895-4912 x 107 or bmarshall@casa-stpete.org.
Volunteering at the CASA Youth Center
Volunteers at the CASA Youth Center often say they think their volunteer job is the most rewarding of all. Volunteers there have the opportunity to give children from homes with domestic violence an experience of healthy, caring adults. At any one time, the children at the Youth Center can range in age from kindergarten to eighth grade. It is common for these children to be as much a three grade levels behind their peers. One great need is for volunteers to tutor the children and help them complete their school work. Joe Carlini, who is the Director of Environmental Services for the City of Largo when he is not volunteering at CASA, sits with young Christopher and helps him with his homework while demonstrating that some men are gentle, calm and interested in learning. His presence makes a real difference in Christopher’s life. Joe is also arranging a field trip for the Youth Center kids to see a waste management facility!
Volunteers who can come in to talk to the kids about careers are also needed. Recently a policeman came to speak about what it’s like to join the police force. Speakers of all professions are welcome. You never know what will spark a dream in the heart of a child, and seeing people who like their jobs and who work at different jobs expands the world for these children.
People who can spend time with the CASA kids on computers are highly valued. The kids learn fast, and being able to solve a computer problem when they get stuck is a skill CASA can really use. If you enjoy creating order out of chaos, the Youth Center offers many opportunities to reorganize materials and clean storage areas.
Roz Heenan, a St. Petersburg business woman, is a quiet but powerful presence at the Youth Center. She has found her niche there fostering family events. She provides food vouchers and even tickets to Rays games for the parents.
Groups can come to volunteer as well. The church group, Sisters in Christ, has been a frequent resource for the Youth Center, bringing gift cards for McDonald’s, or the Dollar Tree store, or art supplies to help the children express themselves. The Thieves of San Lorenzo, a female Gasparilla Pirate Crewe, has come to see the children for several years, always bringing teddy bears for each child.
If you would like to join these volunteers in the important work of supporting children whose lives have been scarred by abuse, please don’t hesitate to call Bonnie Marshall, CASA Volunteer Coordinator at (727) 895-4912 x 107 or e-mail bmarshall@casa-stpete.org.
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 subscribe (Your information will not be shared).
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