Domestic Violence Shelters Nationwide Receive $3 Million in Critical Unrestricted Funds

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The Mary Kay Foundation Awards Grants to 150 Shelters During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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Oct 05, 2016, 10:00 ET

DALLAS, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- While celebrating its 20th anniversary, The Mary Kay Foundation℠ is awarding $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. Throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, each shelter will receive a $20,000 unrestricted grant to help combat domestic violence, educate local communities, and provide much-needed shelter and rehabilitation services.

The Mary Kay Foundation announces $3 million of annual funding in the form of $20,000 unrestricted grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the U.S.

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. This year's highly sought-after grant slate brings the total investment in The Mary Kay Foundation℠ annual shelter grant program to $38.6 million.

"The fact that shelters across the country can use these unrestricted funds to best fit their immediate needs has often made the difference between keeping the doors open or closed, helped maintain a critical service or provided a life-saving safe place for a family in need," said Anne Crews, board member for The Mary Kay Foundation℠ and vice president of public affairs for Mary Kay Inc. "As the Foundation celebrates 20 years of making a difference in the lives of women and children, we are proud to continue our signature domestic violence program in communities nationwide. We know hundreds of thousands of lives have been impacted, not only today but also for generations to come."

Family Crisis Center in LaFayette, Georgia, is using its grant from The Mary Kay Foundation℠ to hire a part-time counselor who will work with domestic violence groups in the evening for women and teens residing in the shelter. The Caring Place Inc. in Lebanon, Kentucky, will be able to renovate the children's playroom and playground as well as assist clients with their first-month rents and deposits. Carteret County Domestic Violence Program of Morehead City, North Carolina, plans to use its funds to replace the roof that is failing on their facility.

"Facing an epidemic that touches one in every four women is a monumental task each and every day in our community," said Vicki Bourus, co-executive director of Family Justice Center of Georgetown and Horry Counties of Georgetown, South Carolina. "With an overwhelming demand for services and limited funding, support from The Mary Kay Foundation℠ is a lifeline for the clients we serve. With the option to use the funds to fit our immediate needs, we can focus our attention on what matters most – maintaining a safe place for our clients while also providing programs to help prevent abuse before it begins."

Nearly 600 domestic violence shelters applied for The Mary Kay Foundation℠ shelter grants this year. The Mary Kay Inc. global cause-related initiative, Beauty That Counts®, helps support the Foundation's annual shelter grant program. Mary Kay has a deep commitment to ending abuse and, together with the Mary Kay Foundation℠, has given $53 million to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs.

Applications for the 2017 Shelter Grants program will be available Jan. 15 through April 30, 2017. Please visit marykayfoundation.org for additional information and for the full list of 2016 Shelter Grant Recipients.

About The Mary Kay Foundation℠
The Mary Kay Foundation℠ was created in 1996, and its mission is twofold: 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 $68.9 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 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