FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Mike Garrett, Chief Development Officer, Sheltering Wings, phone 317.718.0735, fax 317.718.0743, mgarrett@shelteringwings.org, and website www.shelteringwings.org
Kirsten Gappelberg, Mary Kay Foundation, phone 972.687.5343, Kirsten.gappelberg@mkcorp.com

SHELTERING WINGS RECEIVES PART OF $3 MILLION NATIONWIDE GRANT FROM THE MARY KAY FOUNDATION TO COMBAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN HENDRICKS AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

Domestic violence shelters receive much needed cash infusion in light of economic downturn

Danville, IN – October 16, 2009 – Sheltering Wings has been chosen to receive a $20,000 grant from The Mary Kay Foundation as part of the organization’s annual $3 million national domestic violence grant program. Sheltering Wings is one of 150 domestic violence organizations participating in the program. The grant will be used for general operations.

“This grant is such a blessing to Sheltering Wings in a variety of ways,” said Mike Garrett, Chief Development Officer. “Not only does it make up for a deficit in funding this year but gives us hope and strength to continue what we do. Domestic violence is not going away and deserves very serious attention. Programs to help battered women and their children require a lot of resources. That’s why we are so thankful The Mary Kay Foundation is helping us help families in Hendricks and surrounding counties.”

The economic climate has not only caused a decrease in donations but can also be attributed to an increase in the need for domestic violence services. In May 2009, Mary Kay’s Truth About Abuse survey of domestic violence shelters across the country revealed some alarming results:  three out of four domestic violence shelters report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse since September 2008, a major turning point in the U.S. economy. The survey data directly connects the downturn in the economy to an increase in domestic violence.