In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The Mary Kay Foundation announced recently it is awarding $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the country. Family Crisis Center Inc. has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in Great Bend. This year’s grant contribution brings the Foundation’s total investment in its shelter grant program to $50 million.

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.

In 2017 the Family Crisis Center Inc. served 273 Domestic Violence Victims, 185 women, seven men, and 81 children. We provided safety and shelter to 46 women and 43 children and answered 2,650 crisis line calls. “Our vision is to have a safe community without living in fear of domestic violence, sexual assault, child neglect or abuse,” said by Joanne Wondra, center executive director.

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 1,200 organizations applied for the Mary Kay Foundation shelter grants.

“At Mary Kay, we believe in helping women improve their circumstances and live their best lives. 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,” said Mary Kay Foundation Board of Directors President Michael Lunceford. “At the heart of The Foundation’s work is the shelter grant program which is actively supported by our independent sales force. 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.”

Applications for the 2019 shelter grant program will be available in January 2019. Please visit marykayfoundation.org for more information.