Domestic Violence Shelters Nationwide Receive $3 Million in Unrestricted Funds
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, RISE received a $20,000 unrestricted grant from The Mary Kay Foundation to help combat domestic violence and provide much-needed shelter and counseling services to San Luis Obispo County.
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. RISE was selected out of nearly 600 domestic violence shelters that applied for the Mary Kay Foundation shelter grant this year.
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.”
RISE will use grant funds to support and expand individual and group counseling services for clients and families residing in its two domestic violence shelters.
“Support from The Mary Kay Foundation allows us to maintain critical services and programs for those seeking help from abuse,” said Jennifer Adams, Executive Director of RISE. “With these funds, RISE will increase staffing, offer additional training to therapists, and outfit both shelters with needed supplies, therapeutic tools, and improvements to counseling facilities. This additional funding will undoubtedly make a huge difference for many families as they heal from trauma and create safe, violence-free lives.”
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.
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 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 $54 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).
ABOUT RISE: RISE is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (formerly SARP Center and North County Women’s Shelter) whose mission is to transform the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, their families, and the community through services and education that promote safety, healing and empowerment. RISE provides the following programs: 24-hour crisis line, case management, restraining order assistance, accompaniment and advocacy, two safe houses, individual and group counseling, prevention education and self-defense workshops. To learn more about RISE, please visit riseslo.org.