The Mary Kay Foundation℠ Awarded Fayette Cares Critical Unrestricted Funding
as Part of New $3 Million Grant Slate
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. Fayette Cares was chosen to receive one of the annual grants to further efforts to combat domestic violence and provide rehabilitation services throughout Fayette County and the Mid-south. This year’s highly sought-after grant slate brings the total investment in The Foundation’s annual shelter grant program to nearly $42 million.
Fayette Cares will use the grant funding to provide shelter, transitional housing, and advocacy for victims of abuse. “At Fayette Cares, we are incredibly grateful for support from The Mary Kay Foundation℠ and its continued commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence,” said Fayette Cares Executive Director Alexandra Wardlaw. “With recent reports indicating that Tennessee is the 4th worst state for domestic violence murders, this funding is critical in supporting our work and saving lives.”
At Fayette Cares, victims and survivors access shelter, support groups, transportation services, legal advocacy, and more. The agency also helps community members take a stand against domestic violence by providing educational presentations and resources to churches, schools, businesses, justice professionals, health care providers, and others.
“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.”
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).
