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.

Womanspace is privileged to have, Kristin Appelget, Director of Community and Regional Affairs at Princeton University, as this year’s Communities of Light Honorary Chair. In her current position, she oversees and strengthens the University’s relationships with the municipalities and counties in which the University resides and works extensively on municipal and regional issues related to transportation, sustainability, land use, planning and zoning.

Aside from her career, Kristin currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Princeton National Rowing Association, Princeton Summer Theater, D&R Greenway Land Trust, and Lakeview Childcare Center. She is also an advisory member of the board of the Princeton Merchants Association, chair of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Development Fund, a member of the Endowment Committee of the United Way of Greater Mercer County and a member of the advisory board to the Princeton Education Foundation.

We’re honored to have Kristin as this year’s honorary chair to help spread the word about Womanspace’s services, as a long time supporter to us, and an active member in the community.

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness month, Womanspace launches our Communities of Light™ Peace Begins At Home campaign in October, culminating with a Countywide lighting of luminaries on December 4th. This event is a powerful symbol of hope for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. It helps raise awareness and let victims know that they are not alone. Communities of Light™ will launch with a complimentary public reception on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 5:30pm at D&R Greenway Land Trust in Princeton, NJ. 

 BW NICE (Business Women Networking Involving Charity & Education) is a special organization that blends the successful building of women in business with helping other women achieve their potential in life and profession. BW NICE provides a warm, friendly atmosphere that is supportive, educational and dynamic, so women will:

• make meaningful business connections. BW NICE members have easy and unlimited access to one another’s encouragement, knowledge, talents and resources. BW NICE members and friends connect during monthly events and mixers and through BW NICE’s website and social networking.
• learn tips and techniques for new ways to succeed. Events throughout each month offer a combination of informal and structured networking activities that highlight techniques for making connections and pursuing your career goals.
• leave each event motivated. BW NICE members find the interaction with each other empowering while creating a positive outlook for their life and work.

When are the meetings?

The Mercer County Chapter meets on the second Monday of the month from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Salt Creek Grille in Princeton. We hope you will join us at our monthly breakfast meetings for an inspirational morning of networking, education, charity, and fun!

Become a Member!

BW NICE Annual Membership – $150 Enjoy exclusive benefits & cost savings! For more information on BW NICE and how to join, go to www.bwnice.org.

How Womanspace and BW NICE are Connected?

Womanspace is the charity partner for the BW NICE, Mercer County Chapter. Every time a meeting is held, the members are asked to bring donations that will help benefit Womanspace. Donations include, diapers, women’s and children’s clothing (New) or whatever our immediate needs are.