For CASA, unrestricted revenue is particularly valuable because much of its grant funding is restricted to specific programs or expenses.
“Most of the money we get is highly restricted,” Forsythe said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “If somebody needs baby formula and that grant has run out, we can’t buy formula. We’ve got to have cash to buy formula.”
In fiscal year 2024–25, CASA provided $1.31 million in direct assistance to individuals, including more than $1.13 million for housing and utility costs, according to the nonprofit’s most recent Form 990.
CASA Pinellas provides services for domestic violence survivors and their families, including safety planning, crisis intervention, emergency shelter, legal representation and advocacy, housing assistance, rapid rehousing, and education and prevention programs.
Its confidential emergency shelter provided refuge to 542 survivors last year, including 252 children, and logged 22,757 bed nights. CASA also provided specialized housing services to 913 survivors and their children.
The Family Justice Center brings CASA case managers and 12 on-site partner organizations together in one location, making it easier for survivors to access legal, housing, and other support services. It served 1,621 people last year.