By TAPINTO NEW BRUNSWICK
Published December 26, 2022 at 1:42 AM
Last Updated December 26, 2022 at 8:35 AM
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Women Aware, a city-based, state-designated lead domestic violence agency for Middlesex County that has been saving lives for 40 years, has received a $20,000 grant from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation.
The grant from the foundation, which supports the ending of domestic violence and other issues impacting women, comes at a crucial time.
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 2022, Women Aware is on track to serve the most clients in agency history.
Women Aware focuses on practical skills while offering intensive case management, including safety planning, counseling, housing assistance, life skills, parenting education, creative arts therapy for children, advocacy, health education and screening and translation services. All services are free and confidential.
Women Aware also offers an array of services that include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, support groups, children’s trauma therapy programs, legal advocacy, and supportive housing.
Each year, Women Aware moves approximately 2,000 survivors beyond abuse.
“We are deeply grateful for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation’s generous support for survivors of domestic violence in Middlesex County,” stated Women Aware CEO Phyllis Yonta. “The Foundation’s partnership makes it possible for our advocates to provide safe shelter for survivors and their children, and support them with the services and resources necessary to build independent lives free of abuse.”
This year, more than 147,000 women and their families will receive domestic violence support services through the 50 agencies awarded grants by the Mary Kay Ash Foundation.
The Foundation is committed to funding the life-saving work of women’s shelters, and the annual shelter grant program has helped critical financial 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 1,100 organizations applied for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation shelter grants.
“At Mary Kay, we believe in helping women improve their circumstances and live their best lives,” said Foundation Board of Directors Michael Lunceford. “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. At the heart of the Foundation’s work is the shelter grant program which is actively supported by our Independent Beauty Consultants. 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.”
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, call Women Aware’s free 24/7 hotline at 732-249-4504 or toll-free at 833-249-4504.