Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse, Inc. (CASDA)

CASDA provides supportive services to individuals hurt by domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse while advocating for a community effort to end violence. CASDA was founded in 1988 when the Rape and Incest Victim Advocacy group and Coalition against Domestic Violence combined efforts to provide more comprehensive, coordinated help to survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Since its inception, CASDA has grown from a staff of 3 to a roster of 11 full-time employees and 10 part-time employees. All staff members as well as a caring group of dedicated volunteers are trained to provide services to survivors of violence. CASDA's broad array of services is made possible by a variety of funding sources including federal, state, and county governments as well as public and private enterprises and foundations. Also essential to keeping our doors open is the support of many individual citizens and local community groups.

CASDA is a private, non-profit agency that celebrated its 25th year of service in 2013. CASDA has a main office located in Superior, WI, and an outreach office in Washburn, WI. CASDA's primary service area includes the twin ports of Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, plus Ashland, Bayfield and Douglas counties in Wisconsin. However, we have no set borders when it comes to helping victims. Whether someone is calling our help line from California or coming to our office from across the bridge in Minnesota, we will help that person as best we can. CASDA's services are provided to women, men and children regardless of race, nationality, religion, ability, sexual orientation or income level. Designed to address the many needs of victims, CASDA continually strives to create and develop programs of the highest quality.

Specific Services include:

*24-Hour Help Line A CASDA staff member or volunteer can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for crisis counseling, emotional support, information, and referrals.
*Advocacy Services CASDA advocates work with victims to empower them and help secure their rights, as well as services, from other agencies or systems.
*Short-term Counseling CASDA staff and volunteers provide one-on-one crisis counseling, emotional support, and guidance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
*Support Groups CASDA offers support groups for adult and child survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
*Emergency Shelter A safe place for individuals needing to escape or take time out from a violent home, CASDA?s shelter is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. CASDA staff and volunteers help shelter residents explore options, set goals, and ensure their basic needs are met.
*Children's Program: The Children's Program offer peer counseling, advocacy services, safety planning, and education to children who have been abused or witnessed violence. The Children's Program Coordinator can help children develop healthy communication skills, healthy boundaries, and improved self-esteem.
*Legal Services CASDA offers legal advocacy and advice, assistance with restraining orders, and court representation for victims of abuse.
*Community Education/Professional Training CASDA provides education and training on topics related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
*Community Engagement Program Community members can help make a difference in victims' lives through volunteering, attending CASDA events, providing financial support, and/or donating needed items. CASDA volunteers take an active role in many ways including client services, office operations, fund raising, and community education.
*Rural Outreach With a satellite office in Bayfield County, CASDA provides help to rural victims while communicating a message of non-violence in neighboring communities.