The Mary Kay Foundation Awards First Step $20K Grant

PLYMOUTH – In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The Mary Kay Foundation announced in November that it is awarding $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the country. First Step has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in southeastern Michigan. This year's grant contribution brings the Foundation's total investment in its shelter grant program to $50 million.
The Mary Kay Foundation was established in 1996 with the 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 Michael Lunceford, president of the foundation's board of directors. "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."
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 the 40 years since its founding, First Step has served over 300,000 survivors of domestic and sexual violence in southeastern Michigan. In 2017, 14,745 nights of safe shelter housing and 16,925 nights of transitional supportive housing were provided to 385 adults and children. Over 100 families seek shelter each month and sometimes no space is available for them. First Step is grateful to have The Mary Kay Foundation grant to help with bridging the gap of shelter space, as well as support services including in-court victim advocacy, assistance with personal protection orders, transportation and counseling.
Applications for the 2019 shelter grant program will be available in January 2019. Please visit marykayfoundation.org for more information and to view the complete list of 2018 shelter grant recipients.