Parents And Children Together, received a $20,000 grant from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation to support local survivors of domestic violence and abuse in Hawaii. The local nonprofit was selected as one of 50 domestic violence shelter providers across the country to receive a total of $1 million grants.
The Mary Kay Ash Foundation was established in 1996 with the overarching purpose of supporting issues impacting women. In 2000, The Foundation expanded to include ending domestic violence as part of its mission. Committed to funding the life-saving work of women’s shelters, The Foundation’s annual shelter grant program has helped finance critical 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.
“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.”
“Domestic violence is on the rise in Hawaii and providing a lifeline for survivors and their children is more important now than ever before,” said Ryan Kusumoto, president and CEO of Parents And Children Together. “We are grateful to the Mary Kay Ash Foundation for supporting our efforts to provide shelter and holistic support to survivors fleeing from abusive situations, where they can heal and move past economic barriers toward bright futures.”
Parents And Children Together operates safe shelters throughout Oahu. Its family visitation centers, family peace centers and transitional housing programs on Oahu and neighbor islands help families break the cycle of domestic violence through education, mediation, emergency intervention and counseling.
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.