Supports of Abuse Free Environments (SAFE)

Location: Hamilton, MT

Like many non-profits, this rural Montana shelter experienced a shortfall in funding. After 10 years of housing more than 850 women and children, the four-bedroom, two-bath facility was in desperate need of an update. Thanks to the Mary Kay Foundation grant, the shelter bought new mattresses, box springs, bed frames, reading lamps, dressers and new curtains for the rooms. With these improvements, the shelter can continue to be a home-like atmosphere that’s clean, comforting and welcoming for victims. Some of the grant money also went to restoring advocacy services, which had been cut due to budget constraints.

Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia

Location: Macon, GA

“The Mary Kay grant was like manna from heaven,” Shelter Director Dee Simms said. “We struggled to make ends meet last year.”

After the house manager left, the shelter worked short-staffed for months just to keep the doors open.

“We couldn’t afford to replace this critical position until we received the Mary Kay grant,” Simms said.

The grant also helped with basic operating costs like groceries, utilities and the mortgage payment. Thanks to The Mary Kay Foundation, Simms says the shelter has a much brighter future this year. Learn about the shelter at www.cl-sh.org.

Genesis House Shelter

Location: Green Valley, AZ

The No. 1 reason domestic violence victims seek long-term shelter is because they have no options of housing or income.

The Genesis House tackles this problem at its root with its “Poverty to Payroll” program. The shelter used its grant to convert a large storage room into a training room for this 12-week course, which educates victims on how to start a career that will support a family. Speakers include a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant as well as professionals in medicine, pet grooming and beauty salon services and ownership.

Women also hear from financial professionals, have access to computers and computer training, GED classes and English courses. For more information on how this program helps women overcome a life of government assistance and poverty, see www.domesticviolencehelp.us.

The Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter

Location: Alliance, Ohio

In a recent article in The Review, Alliance’s local newspaper, shelter executive director Kimberly Stanley expressed her appreciation for The Mary Kay Foundation grant. “This grant is such a blessing to the Alliance Area Domestic Violence shelter in a variety of ways. Not only does it make up for a deficit in funding this year, but it gives us hope and strength to continue what we do.” From October 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009, the shelter housed 17 women and 27 children, served 31 outreach clients and answered 631 hotline calls. Funds were used to pay operating expenses, which assured phone coverage 24/7 to victimized families in their area.

Crisis Intervention Services

Location: Park County, Wyoming

Crisis Intervention Services used its grant from The Mary Kay Foundation to survive the cuts in its general operating budget. The agency operates two shelters that cover 8,000 square miles of rural Wyoming and a very diverse population including tourists to Yellowstone National Park, Russian brides and Hispanic migrant farm workers.

“Tourists take their domestic violence on the road,” says Executive Director Lisa Velker. “We also see a lot of women who have been enticed to come here by men promising American citizenship, big ranches and more. Then, when they get here, they are isolated, trapped and basically become slaves. We’re doing all we can to help these women get out of a bad situation and back to their families.” For more information, visit www.cispark.org.