CASA Marion Wins National ‘Organizational Hope Story of the Year’ Purple Ribbon Award

CASA MARION RECOGNIZED IN NATIONAL AWARD PROGRAM

Domestic violence nonprofit wins ‘Organizational Hope Story of the Year’ Purple Ribbon Award

[MARION COUNTY, FL., April 23, 2025] – CASA Marion won the national prestigious 2025 Purple Ribbon Award for Organizational Hope Story of the Year. The award was presented by DomesticShelters.org and judged by a national panel of respected professionals from the domestic violence field.

CASA Marion earned the award after launching certified domestic violence services in January 2024. CASA Pinellas, founded in 1977, was asked to extend its certification to Marion County due to its award-winning, innovative programs. This is the second Purple Ribbon Award won by Community Action Stops Abuse after CASA Pinellas won ‘Best New Service Launch’ in 2023 for its Family Justice Center, a comprehensive one-stop shop for victims of domestic violence.

“It is deeply meaningful to receive this recognition so early in CASA Marion’s journey,” said Lariana Forsythe, CEO. “Since launching in January, our team has worked with heart and urgency to build a foundation of safety, support, and hope for survivors in Marion County. This award affirms that we’re on the right path—and it energizes us to keep growing, listening, and advocating for those who need us most.”

The Purple Ribbon Awards are the first comprehensive awards program honoring heroes of the domestic violence movement, including advocates, programs, shelters, survivors, and members of the community support system. To learn more about the Purple Ribbon Awards, visit www.domesticshelters.org/awards/about.

About CASA:

Founded in 1977, CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) is the official 501c3 domestic violence center based in Pinellas County, FL. In October 2022, CASA opened Florida’s only Family Justice Center, earning the 2023 National Purple Ribbon Award for Outstanding New Service Launch in the U.S. CASA’s mission is to challenge the societal acceptance of all forms of domestic violence through advocacy, prevention, intervention, and support services. To learn more, visit www.casapinellas.org.

About CASA Marion:

CASA Marion was established in 2024 to extend certified domestic violence services in Marion County, FL, earning the 2025 National Purple Ribbon Award for Organizational Hope Story of the Year. Domestic Violence Survivors in need of services in Marion County may call (352) 722-CASA for assistance or visit the CASA Marion Outreach Office Monday-Friday at 717 SW MLK Jr Ave. Ocala, FL 34471. Visit www.casamarion.org to learn more.

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