In support of Domestic Violence Awareness, The Mary Kay FoundationSM announced today it is awarding $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the country. St. Jude House has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in Crown Point, IN. 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.
St. Jude House (SJH) is a 30-bed family violence prevention center and shelter in Crown Point, Indiana, offering residential/non-residential services to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors at no cost. Since its inception in 1995, SJH has served 12,000 adults and children in crisis. SJH empowers clients by providing tools and services to enable them to achieve self-sufficiency; break the cycle of abuse, and ultimately live free from violence. An average of 400 domestic violence survivors and their dependent children are served annually. Domestic violence prevention education programs are also provided to children/teens, law enforcement, forensic personnel, medical/health professionals, social service providers, businesses and schools. A 24/7/365 crisis hotline (800-254-1286) receives an average of 1,200 calls annually.
“Domestic violence takes many forms. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, verbal or financial. We empower our clients and their children with tools and resources on their journey to self-sufficiency and help break the cycle of violence in their lives,” said SJH Director Ryan Elinkowski. “This generous grant from the Mary Kay Foundation will help us continue providing our clients with a safe environment that allows them to begin the healing process while gaining valuable skills.”
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.