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 Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties (DVSCP) was chosen to receive one of the annual grants to further the organization’s efforts to combat domestic violence and provide rehabilitation services throughout Cumberland and Perry 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.

DVSCP will use the grant funding to support the agency’s 30-day emergency shelter. 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 DVSCP, we are incredibly grateful for support from The Mary Kay Foundation℠ and its continued commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence,” said Barbara Kohutiak, DVSCP Executive Director.  “This funding will be used solely to support our Emergency Shelter, and it will make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. In addition to counseling and advocacy, Shelter Staff provide clothing, food, medical needs, school supplies, and transportation when the need is there.”

According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in the last ten years more than 1,600 people have died in domestic violence-related incidents in Pennsylvania. Last year alone, DVSCP provided emergency shelter for 313 adults and children needing to escape abusive situations emergently. Staff also fielded more than 1,300 hotline calls and provided 3,800 hours of counseling.  Without funding from organizations like Mary Kay these vital services wouldn’t have been possible.

“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.

About The Mary Kay Foundation

The Mary Kay Foundation℠ was created in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue.  The Mary Kay Foundation℠ has awarded $70.7 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States.  To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation℠, please visit www.marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).