Press release
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. The Family Peace Project was chosen to receive one of the annual grants to further the organization’s efforts to combat domestic violence and provide rehabilitation services throughout Henderson and Kaufman counties. This year’s highly sought-after grant slate brings the total investment in The Foundation’s annual shelter grant program to nearly $42 million.
The Family Peace Project will use the grant funding to implement their new Children’s Program, Education & Awareness Program and will also be used to provide additional training for their staff. 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.
“At The Family Peace Project, we are incredibly grateful for support from The Mary Kay Foundation℠ and its continued commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence,” said Mary Farmer, Executive Director. “This grant means so much to us. It will allow us to roll out much needed programs and assist in opening our new offices and safe house.”
The Family Peace Project’s mission is to work to protect, educate, assist, care and empower victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Their goal is to end domestic violence through education, support and social change. The Family Peace Project provides services at no cost to domestic violence victims. Trained advocates respond 24 hours per day to victims who call their toll-free crisis hotline. The Family Peace Project provides free counseling in both English and Spanish for those who are currently experiencing domestic violence, as well as those who have previously been victims of domestic violence. The Family Peace Project is making progress to reduce and ultimately end domestic violence through their outreach, education, support services and prevention programs. The Family Peace Project has been serving clients since 1996 and has steadily grown in the number of clients served and the breadth of services offered.
“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, click here.