Mary Kay Ash Foundation Awards $20,000 Grant to Support Domestic Violence Survivors in Monmouth County

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to 180 Turning Lives Around to support survivors of domestic violence in Monmouth County. This funding is part of the Foundation's national initiative to distribute $1 million in unrestricted grants to 50 domestic violence shelters across the United States during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The investment will help sustain 180's Safe House, a comprehensive emergency shelter that provides critical services to individuals and families fleeing abusive situations.

The Safe House facility represents a vital resource in the community, offering 45 beds across 17,000 square feet of space dedicated to providing safety, stability, and wraparound care for survivors. The shelter accommodates adult women and men, children, pets, and survivors with physical disabilities, ensuring inclusive access to refuge and support services. Liz Graham, CEO of 180 Turning Lives Around, emphasized the transformative nature of the Safe House program, noting that it serves as a place where concern and despair give way to confidence and determination, enabling survivors to begin their journey toward becoming thrivers.

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation has maintained a longstanding commitment to supporting issues affecting women and their families since its establishment in 1996. In 2000, the Foundation expanded its mission to specifically address domestic violence prevention and support. Through its annual shelter grant program, which has now invested over $57 million nationwide, the Foundation supports critical services including emergency housing, transitional services, counseling, and legal advocacy at women's shelters across the country. The competitive nature of these grants was evident this year, with more than 300 organizations applying for funding, making 180 Turning Lives Around's selection as one of only 50 recipients nationwide particularly significant.

For nearly five decades, 180 Turning Lives Around has provided safety, support, and hope to survivors of domestic and sexual violence throughout Monmouth County. The organization's comprehensive programs include emergency shelter services, crisis counseling, court and advocacy support, art therapy for children affected by violence, and a 24/7 confidential hotline. Additional information about the organization's vital work can be found at https://180nj.org. The Mary Kay Ash Foundation continues its mission guided by Mary Kay Ash's original vision to enrich women's lives, having contributed more than $96 million to organizations aligned with its dual focus on ending domestic violence and supporting cancer research since 1996. More details about the Foundation's ongoing initiatives are available at https://marykayashfoundation.org.