November 16, 2018
For Immediate Release
THE MARY KAY FOUNDATION℠ AWARDS WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S ALLIANCE $20,000 GRANT
The Mary Kay Foundation Honors Domestic Violence Awareness Month by Issuing $3 Million in Grants to 150 Domestic Violence Shelters Across the Country
Boise, ID (October 3, 2018) – In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The Mary Kay Foundation℠ announced today it is awarding $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the country. The Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA) has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in the Treasure Valley. This year’s grant contribution brings the Foundation’s total investment in its shelter grant program to $50 million.
The Mary Kay Foundation was established in 1996 with the overarching purpose of supporting issues impacting women. In 2000, The Foundation expanded to include ending domestic violence as part of its mission. The Foundation is committed to funding the life-saving work of women’s shelters and the annual shelter grant program has helped finance critical needs including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling and legal aid. All of these resources support women and children as they seek refuge and relief on their journey to an abuse-free life. This year, more than 1,200 organizations applied for the Mary Kay Foundation shelter grants.
“At Mary Kay, we believe in helping women improve their circumstances and live their best lives. One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and it is our responsibility to support the women’s shelters that aid these survivors,” said President of The Mary Kay Foundation Board of Directors Michael Lunceford. “At the heart of The Foundation’s work is the shelter grant program which is actively supported by our independent sales force. We’re proud that our commitment makes such a powerful impact in local communities and in the lives of domestic violence survivors across the country.”
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, more than 72,000 adult and child victims receive domestic violence services across the United States in just one day. Unfortunately, in the same period of time, more than 11,000 requests for services are unmet due to a lack of resources.
The WCA provides a comprehensive and secure 120-day residential shelter program and transitional housing, in confidential locations, with round-the-clock staff assistance, private rooms and common living facilities for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence and/or sexual assault. While living at the WCA, residents participate in a comprehensive program based on their needs including: group and individual counseling, case management, court advocacy, safety planning, life skills, parenting and financial education classes.
“The availability of safe shelter is often the determining factor in whether an individual flees the abusive relationship,” said Bev La Chance, Deputy Director for the WCA. “Leaving a domestic violence home/relationship can be a dangerous process. Statistics reveal that up to 3/4 of domestic violence assaults reported to law enforcement agencies are inflicted after separation of the couples and 75 percent of women who are killed as the result of a violent relationship are killed while trying to leave.”
Applications for the 2019 shelter grant program will be available in January 2019. Please visit marykayfoundation.org for more information. Applications for the 2019 shelter grant program will be available in January 2019. Please visit marykayfoundation.org for more information. To view the complete list of 2018 shelter grant recipients, click here.
About The Mary Kay Foundation℠
The Mary Kay Foundation was created in 1996 and its two-fold mission includes funding women’s cancer research and ending domestic violence. Over the course of more than two decades, The Mary Kay Foundation has awarded more than $78 million to women’s shelters and domestic violence service providers, as well as cancer research programs and related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation and its mission, visit marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).
About the WCA
The Women’s & Children’s Alliance provides safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault. The WCA operates secure shelters and provides professional counseling, legal advocacy, crisis services and case management to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. For more information, visit www.wcaboise.org.
###
EVENTS
