Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation gives social agency $20,000
for
shelter needs
Morgan Hill – The Morgan Hill-based nonprofit social services agency Community Solutions has received a $20,000 grant to aid its shelter for women and children.
“I am thrilled to accept this grant from the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation on behalf of Community Solutions,” said Jacqueline Solari, communications and development manager for the agency. “Domestic violence is a significant and growing problem, one that affects millions of women and children. This grant will help us continue our work to protect, educate and care for victims of domestic abuse.”
The Community Solutions shelter served 72 women and 85 children in 2005, Solari said. Community Solutions also offers services for mental health, substance abuse, homelessness and other issues in addition to sexual assault for victims in Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill. The grant will be used for general expenses at the shelter.
“The really great thing about this grant is that, except for travel expenses, the money can be used in whatever way it is needed, as long as it benefits the shelter,” she said. “It allows us the flexibility to see what needs are greatest there, instead of being tied to using it in a pre-determined way.” Â
Since it was established in 1996, the foundation has awarded more than $8 million in grants to women’s shelters throughout the country.Â
Created by Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay cosmetics, the original intent of the foundation was to fund research of cancers affecting women. However the foundation expanded its scope in 2000 to include the prevention of violence against women.
The Morgan Hill shelter is one of 150 shelters throughout the country that will receive a grant from the foundation, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
“The Mary Kay Ash Charitable foundation has always been dedicated to helping women,” said Jennifer Cook, Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation board member. “We are hopeful that these grants will succeed in heightening awareness of the insidious problem of domestic violence against women, as well as providing much-needed financial aid to local shelters on a grassroots level.”
