Dallas-based Mary Kay Ash Foundation awards $3 million in grants to domestic violence shelters nationwide

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Domestic violence shelters across the nation are receiving an infusion of badly needed funding, thanks to the foundation started by the late Mary Kay Ash. Today the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation is awarding grants totaling $3 million to domestic violence shelters nationwide.

The grants -- 150 in all, covering all 50 states -- will be used to support several programs aimed to not only put an end to domestic violence, but help keep domestic violence victims and their children safe. Examples of the programs for which shelters will use these funds include:

-- Elderly Victims: Providing a safe environment and critical support services for elderly victims of domestic violence

-- Victims with Disabilities: Seeing to the special needs of women with disabilities who are domestic violence victims

-- Recovery from Katrina: Replenishing shelter operating funds from the continuing devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina

-- Victim Transportation: Provide transportation money for victims who can't otherwise afford it

-- Supporting the Children of Victims: Providing learning tools and safe play areas for children whose mother is a domestic violence victim

"These grants come at a critical time in the fight against domestic violence," said Jennifer Morrison, executive director of New Beginning Center in Texas. "States such as Illinois and Kansas have recently been pursuing domestic violence initiatives to bring heightened awareness to this problem and further protect the women in their states. At the same time, economic conditions have lessened local contributions in some regions, and the Mary Kay grants help compensate for that."

States receiving the greatest number of grants are: California (12); Texas (10); New York (9); Florida (9); and Illinois (7).

Source: Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation