| Hoosier Hills PACT in Salem, received one of the $20,000 unrestricted grants to maintain the program for individuals who are survivors of domestic abuse.
In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, The Mary Kay Foundation has awarded $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters.
The shelter has been in operation since 1997, housed in a building dating back to 1881. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and is included in the Salem Downtown Historic District.
The $20,000 Mary Kay Grant will provide funding to replace most of the windows in the county owned building. Additional funding for the windows is being provided by the Washington County Community Foundation.
The WCCF recently awarded Hoosier Hills PACT $3,214.51 for shelter improvements.
Hoosier Hills PACT provides, at no charge, a 24 hour confidential crisis line (888-883-1959), a support group that meets twice a week, safe shelter, food, court advocacy, and clothing for victims of domestic violence. Eight transitional housing units provide additional housing and support for individuals leaving abusive relationships.
“As tenants of the county owned building, we are pleased and honored to have the opportunity to make improvements and provide needed services for our clients” said Jon Kuss, Director of Hoosier Hills PACT.
Connie Benson, Shelter Director said, “We are so thankful for this grant from the Mary Kay Foundation and the on-going support of the Washington County Community Foundation. The windows in the building, as far as I know, have never been replaced and in the winter the bedrooms are cold and drafty. The new energy efficient windows should make a big difference in our heating bills, hopefully it will free up some money to meet client needs.”
For nearly 20 years The Mary Kay Foundation, has supported the prevention and elimination of domestic violence, an epidemic that touches one in every four women in her lifetime. Through the Foundation’s annual shelter grant program, $34 million has been granted to domestic violence organizations since 2000.
“The Mary Kay Foundation is proud to support local shelters that are on the front lines of helping the thousands of women and children who seek shelter and support from abuse,” said Anne Crews, Vice President of Government Relations for Mary Kay Inc. and board member for the Mary Kay Foundation.
“The shelter grants are a signature program for The Mary Kay Foundation and represent just one of the ways we are committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence.” |
