YWCA Mohawk Valley (YWCA MV) has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in Oneida County. In support of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, The Mary Kay Foundation has awarded $2 million in grants to 100 domestic violence shelters across the country. This year’s grant contribution brings the Foundation’s total investment in its shelter grant program to $52 million.
YWCA MV operates the only state-certified domestic violence emergency shelters, transitional housing, and rapid-rehousing housing programs in Oneida County for survivors fleeing abuse. Hall House, the emergency shelter located in Utica, NY, housed 90 adults and children in 2018. Lucy’s House, a safe dwelling for survivors in Rome, NY, provided safe haven for 34 adults and children while undergoing a number of renovations.
“We are extremely grateful to The Mary Kay Foundation for all they do and their continued support of our programs,” said YWCA MV COO Kari Procopio. “This grant award will benefit so many women, children, and survivors and will allow us to continue serving our community in this way for years to come.”
“At Mary Kay, we believe in helping women improve their circumstances and live their best lives,” said President of The Mary Kay Foundation Board of Directors Michael Lunceford. “One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and it is our responsibility to support the women’s shelters that aid these survivors. At the heart of The Foundation’s work is the shelter grant program which is actively supported by our Independent Beauty Consultants. We’re proud that our commitment makes such a powerful impact in local communities and in the lives of domestic violence survivors across the country.”
The Mary Kay Foundation was established in 1996 with the overarching purpose of supporting issues impacting women. In 2000, The Foundation expanded to include ending domestic violence as part of its mission. The Foundation is committed to funding the life-saving work of women’s shelters, and the annual shelter grant program has helped finance critical needs including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and legal aid. All of these resources support women and children as they seek refuge and relief on their journey to an abuse-free life. This year, more than 1,100 organizations applied for the Mary Kay Foundation shelter grants.
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, more than 72,000 adult and child victims receive domestic violence services across the United States in just one day. Unfortunately, in the same period of time, more than 11,000 requests for services are unmet due to a lack of resources.
YWCA MV offers free and confidential domestic and sexual violence crisis services 24-hours. For domestic and sexual violence crisis services in Oneida County, call 315.797.7740. For sexual violence and child abuse services in Herkimer County, call 315.866.4120. For more information about YWCA MV, visit ywcamv.org or call 315.732.2159.