YWCA Mohawk Valley Receives $20,000 Grant from Mary Kay Ash Foundation

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YWCA Mohawk Valley Receives $20,000 Grant from Mary Kay Ash Foundation


Award to Fund Domestic Violence Shelters

UTICA, N.Y. (Jan. 17, 2023) – YWCA Mohawk Valley (YWCA MV) was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation to benefit the agency’s domestic violence shelters.

In October, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation pledged $1 million in grants to 50 domestic violence shelters across the country in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. YWCA MV was selected and will use the funds to support their two shelters: Hall House in Utica and Lucy’s House in Rome.

“YWCA MV is sincerely thankful to the Mary Kay Ash Foundation for their incredible support of our life-saving work,” said YWCA MV CEO Dianne Stancato. “Our shelters save hundreds of lives every year and provide a safe place for women and families to start new, independent lives.”

In 2021, YWCA MV housed 168 individuals between their two shelters, increasing to 188 individuals throughout 2022.

“At Mary Kay, we believe in helping women improve their circumstances and live their best lives,” said President of Mary Kay Ash 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.”

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, (NNEDV) more than 72,000 individuals 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.

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.

YWCA MV is available for anyone experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence via our free and confidential 24-hour hotline services. Visit ywcamv.org/Chat to reach an advocate directly through our private, secure server. In Oneida County, call or text 315.797.7740 for domestic and sexual violence crisis services. In Herkimer County, call 315.866.4120 for child advocacy and adult sexual violence crisis services. For more information about YWCA MV, click here.


About the Mary Kay Ash Foundation?
Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, The Mary Kay Ash FoundationSM raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research to find a cure for women-related cancers and to end domestic violence against women. Since 1996, The Mary Kay Ash FoundationSM has contributed more than $92 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer and donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, find us on Facebook and Instagram, or follow us on Twitter.
About YWCA Mohawk Valley
YWCA Mohawk Valley is a nonsectarian organization engaged in the mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. In 2021, YWCA MV provided more than 48,000 instances of service to individuals in Herkimer and Oneida Counties via such programs as domestic and sexual violence crisis services, violence prevention education, residential services for homeless women and children, and emergency shelters and transitional housing for individuals escaping violence. YWCA MV offers free and confidential help 24/7. In Oneida County, call or text 315.797.7740 for domestic and sexual violence crisis services. In Herkimer County, call 315.866.4120 for child advocacy and sexual violence crisis services. Visit ywcamv.org/Chat anytime to directly reach an advocate through a private chat server. More information about YWCA MV can be found by visiting ywcamv.org or by contacting Allison Flanagan at aflanagan@ywcamv.org or 315.732.2159 ext. 245.
YWCA MV receives funding support from the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc. and The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc.