Ultimate Medical Academy Supports CASA, Will Sponsor 40th Anniversary Luncheon and Continue Annual UMA Scholarship Program

April 6, 2017, Tampa, Fla. — Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) will help mark the 40th Anniversary of Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA), the official domestic violence center for southern Pinellas County, by sponsoring and having UMA faculty and staff attend the “A Good Night’s Sleep” Dessert Luncheon on April 7, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

In addition, UMA will continue to make available to CASA an annual scholarship opportunity covering full tuition for a student at UMA’s campus in Clearwater, Florida. Certain restrictions apply and interested parties should contact CASA directly for more information.

“We’re honored to have UMA as a partner in helping to raise awareness of the toll domestic violence has on individuals, families and communities,” said CASA Interim Executive Director Suzanne Horn. “Education gives people the tools and the confidence to break the cycle of violence and improve their lives.”

CASA operates the Pinellas County’s 24-hour crisis hotline and 100-bed emergency shelter, offers community support groups, provides courtroom advocacy, assists the Child Protective Investigative team and conducts community and corporate training. In addition, CASA’s Peacemakers Program teaches anti-bullying and healthy relationship curriculum throughout the Pinellas County school system to end the generational cycle of violence.

“UMA is pleased to continue our support of CASA by sponsoring the 40th anniversary event and renewing our annual commitment that began in 2014 to provide a full academic scholarship to a student nominated by CASA to enroll in a healthcare program at our Clearwater campus,” said Dan Soschin, the leader overseeing philanthropic initiatives at UMA.

“Education is a powerful tool and platform to help raise voices against violence through advocacy, empowerment and social change,” he added. “Providing CASA with an opportunity to support a student through a program at UMA aligns well with our mission of equipping and empowering students to succeed.”

CASA’s 40th anniversary event will be hosted by celebrity emcees Wendy Ryan and Lissette Campos of ABC Action News – WFTS, and features Eddie Pearson sharing his story of how tragedy in his family led him to become a passionate advocate dedicated to helping end domestic violence.

It will feature a silent auction, uplifting program, lunch and free desserts samplings from GateauOChocolat, Genaro Coffee Company, Island Flavors and Tings, Infused Tea Company, JB’s Sweet Addictions, Kilwins St. Pete, Pipo’s, the Original Cuban Cafe, The Pie Factory and Urban Creamery.

UMA’s support of CASA is one of the many service project and outreach initiatives the institution participates in each year. For more details about UMA’s involvement in the community, visit UltimateMedical.edu/about/community-outreach/.

ABOUT CASA (COMMUNITY ACTION STOPS ABUSE)
This year marks the 40th Anniversary for CASA, the official domestic violence center for southern Pinellas County. CASA operates the area’s 24-hour hotline and 100-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 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.