Over the past 12 months alone, CASA has provided 37,000 nights of safety at its shelter. When the new shelter was being built, it was always the vision and immediate goal of Executive Director Linda A. Osmundson, to construct an on-site kennel for pets. Unfortunately, it did not make the initial budget cut and the project was put on an indeterminate hold until after the con- struction of the domestic violence shelter was complete. Recently, however, thanks to a generous donation by a local ani- mal lover, a grant from RedRover Relief and Linda’s dogged determination, the 288 square foot kennel has been constructed. We had an opportunity to tour the facility and kennels in
March with John Biesinger and Mo Venouziou. “Every person who comes through those doors presents a different issue. Deciding to leave an abusive situation while a pet remains behind is not something we want these women and children to have to worry about. Thanks to our great staff, like Vanessa Washington, and our volunteers, we’re able to make it work,” said Biesinger. Vanessa is one of the top two advocates in Florida. Domestic violence crosses socio-economic divides. You may
find out that someone with a successful career, who is making plenty of money, has been a victim and wonder how is that even possible. “Control is part of what an abuser has over his victim,” said Biesinger. “There are women making money, and yet have never balanced a check book. Their abuser takes the money away from them as a means to keep them believing they are powerless to do anything else.” “Linda was a force of nature. She knew how important it
was to have the kennel on-site,” added Biesinger. The kennel will allow families to be with their pets on a daily basis. “Indeed. Part of the agreement is that the families feed, walk and clean up after their pets,” said Biesinger. Just like families are encouraged to cook and dine together in one of CASA’s two kitchens and dining rooms. The shelter encourages maintaining as much normalcy as possible. Sadly, Linda Osmundson did not live to see her vision through. She passed away in 2016. We’re certain she’s pleased
with the results of her vision. *Excerpt from American Academy of Pediatrics article by Tara L. Harris, M.D., M.S. FAAP.
U
CASA domestic-violence
shelter.It includes her hardhat and cowboy boots. Y
CASA 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 727.895.4912 TTY: 727.828.1269
CASA-StPete.org
CASA Collections Thrift Shoppe 1011 1st Avenue North, St. Petersburg Call 727.828.1233 for store hours. All proceeds are used to fund CASA’s programs and services for sur- vivors of domestic violence.
The kennel program will require donations as well. THE NEW BARKER will be co-hosting events over the next 12 months with CASA to help raise money and pet food donations. Anna Cooke, editor-in-chief of THE NEW BARKER has been invited to be part of the CASA Kennel Shelter Operations Sub-Committee. If you have pet food or supplies you would like to donate, please email
anna@thenewbarker.com.
A memorial for Linda A. Osmundson is displayed at the new
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