$3 Million In Grants To Domestic Violence Shelters Nationwide Narrows Gap Between Funding And Demand For Services

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DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Through a 24-hour survey of domestic violence programs across the country, the National Network to End Domestic Violence discovered that more than 67,000 domestic violence victims found refuge and help on a single day, while an additional 10,000 requests for services were unmet due to lack of resources. To help narrow this critical gap and to continue its long-standing commitment to support the prevention and elimination of domestic violence, The Mary Kay Foundation℠ is awarding $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. 

In advance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, all 150 shelters will receive a $20,000 grant. While more than half of the grant recipients use the unrestricted funds for basic operating expenses, others hire much needed personnel, complete repairs and facility renovations or add programs and resources based on the unique needs of their shelter and the clients they serve.

"While progress has been made in the United States in meeting the needs of the thousands of domestic violence victims who seek help each and every day, there remains a significant gap between funding and resources as more and more survivors courageously request services to escape from life-threatening situations," said Anne Crews, board member for The Mary Kay Foundation℠ and Vice President of Public Affairs for Mary Kay Inc. "We know from our work with shelter directors across the nation that the Foundation's annual grants are a lifeline for many shelters and continues to impact an epidemic that touches one in every four women." 

The Newhouse in Kansas City, Mo. Is using their grant from The Mary Kay Foundation^℠ to support an onsite school to protect the safety of children in grades K-6. The Battered Women's Shelter in Akron, Ohio will be able to start renovations on a 50,000 square foot facility. The Self Help Center in Casper, Wyo. offers 20 weekly support groups as part of their youth prevention program along with after school mentoring to provide positive role models to help youth heal and end the new cycle of abuse before it starts. In Dallas, Mosaic Family Services has relocated to a larger facility nearly doubling their capacity to serve women and children.  

"Support from The Mary Kay Foundation℠ is invaluable as we work daily to help women and children flee abusive homes, many of them arriving with nothing but the clothes on their backs," said Walter Nguyen, Ph.D., Executive Director of Mosaic Family Services.  "With an overwhelming demand and limited funding, this grant will help fill in the gaps to not only care for our clients but also provide programs to help prevent abuse before it begins." 

Since 2000, The Mary Kay Foundation℠ has donated $35.6 million to domestic violence organizations through its annual shelter grant program. Each year, grants are awarded to at least one domestic violence shelter in every state with the remaining grants distributed based on state population. U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands have also received funding through the Shelter Grant program. Approximately 625 domestic violence shelters applied for funding this year. 

Applications for the 2016 Shelter Grants program will be available Jan. 15 through April 30, 2016. Please visit marykayfoundation.org for additional information and for the full list of 2015 shelter grant recipients.

About The Mary Kay Foundation℠
The Mary Kay Foundation℠ was created in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue.  The Mary Kay Foundation℠ has awarded $64.2 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation℠, please visit www.marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
marykay.com/newsroom
972.687.5332 or [email protected]

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SOURCE The Mary Kay Foundation

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