CASA helps those in need; let's help CASA

When someone escapes or is taken from an abusive environment, the last thing they should have to worry about is the temperature of their safe haven or whether the shower there is in working order.

Thanks to a federal grant, Pettis County residents who need shelter from those who have harmed them physically or emotionally will have a more comfortable environment in which to piece their lives back together.

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As reported by the Democrat’s Matthew Steingraber, Citizens Against Spouse Abuse Inc. has been awarded a grant of more than $68,000 through the Emergency Shelter Grant Program. More than $31,000 of that total will be used to address needed improvements to CASA’s facility, including heating and air conditioning units and replacement of showers.

Lori Haney, exeuctive director of CASA, told Steingraber: “Being able to replace those means we will be able to keep those rooms open. It will keep us from having to shut down a room and allow us to keep all rooms operational year-round now.”

CASA served 875 people in 2010 — 216 adults and 234 children receiving temporary shelter, and 425 other clients getting nonresidential services. The 450 people receiving safe haven last year from those who have abused them, and those who will need that protection this year, deserve a comfortable space as they try to find some semblance of safety, control and balance in their lives. Those grant dollars will help enhance CASA’s space, which will help those victims when they need it most.

The rest of the grant money, which will support day-to-day services, requires a 100 percent match, which Haney said CASA will try to meet with in-kind donations of needed items including bedding, furniture, clothing, household supplies and toys. We encourage residents to contribute to this most worthy cause with financial aid, new items or gently used items that will not require repairs or refurbishing. To arrange a donation, call 827-5559.

CASA provides vital services at critical times in local residents’ lives. We are pleased that it has received needed financial support, and we are hopeful that our community will rise up to help meet the match total for the balance of the funding.