Honorees recognized by CASA for initiative, bravery and important roles in the movement to end domestic violence
October 24, 2017, St. Petersburg, FL –CASA had the great pleasure of honoring three local heroes at its 21st Annual CASA Peace Breakfast, held on October 12, 2017. A woman who triumphed over domestic violence (name withheld for privacy), Lissette Campos and James Kennedy were recognized for their initiative, bravery and important roles in the movement to end domestic violence.
Other notable happenings at the event included the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and City of St. Petersburg issuing proclamations announcing October 12, 2017 as “CASA’s Day of Peace.” The proclamations were issued during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to honor CASA’s critical role in the Tampa Bay community, enabling local women, children and men to build safe, loving homes.
The 2017 CASA Peace Breakfast honorees are:
CASA Triumph Award recipient: Survivor (name withheld for privacy)
This amazing woman escaped a dangerous abuser by utilizing CASA’s services. Because of her courage and perseverance, she built a safe life for herself and children. In her own words, with CASA’s help “I was no longer broken, but a bold woman who was excited about the future. I am thankful to the organization, not only for myself, but also for the opportunities that they continue to give to survivors and their families.”
2017 John E Stross “Victory Over Violence” Award recipient: Lissette Campos
Lissette Campos is the Director of Community Affairs at WFTS – ABC Action News, host ofPositively Tampa Bay and founding member of the station’s Taking Action Against Domestic Violence campaign. She has brought tremendous awareness of the resources available to domestic violence survivors throughout the region, illuminated the extent of the problem society faces, raises funds for local agencies and is a long time host of CASA’s signature Peace Breakfast and A Good Night’s Sleep events.
CASA Emeritus Circle inductee: James Kennedy
James Kennedy, local attorney and St. Petersburg City Councilman, has supported CASA for over 20 years in roles such as Board Member and powerful advocate within the city government.
ABOUT CASA (COMMUNITY ACTION STOPS ABUSE)
Founded in 1977, CASA is the official domestic violence center based in southern Pinellas County, Florida. CASA operates the area’s 24-hour hotline and 133-bed emergency shelter, offers community support groups, provides courtroom advocacy (ex. support navigating the restraining order process), assists the Child Protective Investigative team and conducts community and corporate training. In addition, CASA’s Peacemakers teach anti-bullying and healthy relationship curriculum throughout the Pinellas County school system to end the generational cycle of violence.
CASA’s vision is a community without domestic violence so that home is a safe place. CASA’s mission is to raise our voices against violence through advocacy, empowerment and social change. To learn more visit www.casa-stpete.org, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/CASAStPete or contact us at info@casa-stpete.org / 727-895-4912. For assistance with domestic violence-related issues, please call CASA’s 24-hour hotlines: 727-895-4912 and TTY: 727-828-1269.