(ALLIANCE) (Sept., 29, 2009) – The Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter has been chosen to receive a $20,000 grant from The Mary Kay Foundation as part of the organization’s annual $3 million national domestic violence grant program. The Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter is one of 150 domestic violence organizations participating in the program.

“This grant is such a blessing to the Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter in a variety of ways,” said Kimberly Stanley, Executive Director.  “Not only does it make up for a deficit in funding this year but gives us hope and strength to continue what we do.  Domestic violence is not going away and deserves very serious attention.  Programs to help battered women and their children require a lot of resources.  That’s why we are so thankful The Mary Kay Foundation is helping us help families in the Alliance area.”

The economic climate has not only caused a decrease in donations but can also be attributed to an increase in the need for domestic violence services. In May 2009, Mary Kay’s Truth About Abuse survey of domestic violence shelters across the country revealed some alarming results: three out of four domestic violence shelters report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse since September 2008, a major turning point in the U.S. economy. The survey data directly connects the downturn in the economy to an increase in domestic violence.

                                            “In light of the economic downturn and alarming increases in domestic violence, The Mary Kay                                                          Foundation’s mission is more critical than ever before. The Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter                                              has helped so many women and their families in the Alliance area. We know they will use these funds
                                            to benefit even more domestic violence survivors and their children and help end domestic violence,”                                                 said Jennifer Cook, The Mary Kay Foundation board member. 

The Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter is a non-profit organization serving families in the greater Alliance area since 1979.  The mission of the Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter is to empower and assist survivors of verbal, emotional, financial, sexual, and physical abuse by providing education, resources, emergency shelter and transitional support services. Services of the agency include a 24 hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, educational support, information and referrals and assistance with food, clothing, and personal care items.  For more information about services or how you can assist the Shelter, please call 330-823-7223.

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. Since the Foundation’s inception, it has awarded nearly $22 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and $13 million to cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation, log on to www.marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).