The Mary Kay Foundation℠ Awarded Womanspace, Inc. Critical Unrestricted Funding as Part of New $3 Million Grant Slate
Trenton, NJ- September 28, 2017 – Throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, The Mary Kay Foundation℠ is awarding $20,000 grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam for a total of $3 million. Local shelter Womanspace, was chosen to receive one of the annual grants to further the organization’s efforts to combat domestic violence and provide rehabilitation services throughout Mercer County, NJ. This year’s highly sought-after grant slate brings the total investment in The Foundation’s annual shelter grant program to nearly $42 million.
Womanspace will use the grant funding to keep our safe house in operation 24/7, 365 days a year. Other recipients use the unrestricted funds for basic operating expenses, hiring much-needed personnel, completing repairs and renovations or adding programs and resources based on the unique needs of their shelter and the clients they serve.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from The Mary Kay Foundation℠ and its continued commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence,” said Lauren Nazarian, Director of Development. “We are thrilled that Mary Kay has partnered with us yet again, and providing funds for our Safe House. The Womanspace Safe house is open 24/7, with over 200 women and children coming through our safe house each year. We thank the Mary Kay Foundation for your continued generosity and support for our Safe House.”
Founded in 1977, Womanspace, Inc. is a leading nonprofit agency in Mercer County, New Jersey, whose mission is to prevent abuse, protect families and change lives through empowerment and a safety net of supportive services. Womanspace bilingual (English and Spanish) programs include 24-hour crisis intervention through crisis hotlines, response teams, and emergency shelter; counseling for adults and children, court advocacy and housing services. Last year Womanspace served 11,107 adults and children, impacted by domestic and sexual violence.
“More than 700 domestic violence shelters nationwide applied for The Mary Kay Foundation℠ shelter grants this year, which demonstrates the overwhelming need to maintain critical services and provide a safe haven for the survivors of an epidemic that impacts one in every four women,” said Anne Crews, board member of The Mary Kay Foundation℠ and Vice President of Public Affairs for Mary Kay Inc. “Working to prevent and end domestic violence is a cornerstone of The Foundation, Mary Kay Inc. and for countless members of our independent sales force. Since 2000, The Foundation has invested tens of millions of dollars in our shelter grant program and without a doubt, we know these funds make a difference in homes and communities across the country.”
Mary Kay Inc.’s global cause-related program, Beauty that Counts, helps support The Foundation’s annual shelter grant program. Applications for the 2018 shelter grant program will be available January 15 through April 30. Please visit marykayfoundation.org for additional information and for the full list of 2017 shelter grant recipients.
