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, visit ywcamv.org.