Batesville, In. — In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The Mary Kay FoundationSM announced it is awarding $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the country
Safe Passage, Inc. has received a $20,000 unrestricted fund to support local survivors of domestic violence in six counties of Southeast Indiana. 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 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. Safe Passage was one of 3 organizations in Indiana that received the grant. (Shelters in Warsaw and Crown Point were also awarded.)
“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.
Since 1997, Safe Passage has helped free more than 14,000 victims and their children from a lifestyle of violence. Safe Passage has provided a 30 bed shelter in Batesville, in a safe, but undisclosed place that serves six counties. Last year, 144 were served through the shelter, 477 from non-residential programming and 441 from the toll-free helpline. Since January, it is unusual if the shelter is not full. The non-residential programming too has grown, over 300 percent in the last several years. The same comprehensive services offered to shelter clients are available to others who may not need emergency housing, but do need support. All services are free and confidential.
“Receiving an unrestricted grant like this from Mary Kay makes a big impact on the life-saving work we do. The funds will help us better serve our clients, whether in shelter or through our non-residential programming. We can use it to support clients in need of housing or further education, children’s programming, safety planning, legal advocacy, whatever the client might need to get their life on track, away from violence. We are grateful for the Mary Kay Foundation,” said Jane Yorn, Safe Passage Executive Director. Yorn added that the grant wouldn’t have been possible without several Mary Kay representatives who wrote letters in support of Safe Passage. Lori Maple, local sales director, was particularly helpful with the Safe Passage application.
Please visit marykayfoundation.org for more information. To view the complete list of 2018 shelter grant recipients, click here.
