YWCA SafeChoice shelter awarded $20,000 grant

The YWCA Clark County SafeChoice domestic violence shelter received a $20,000 grant from The Mary Kay Foundation. The grant will support a part-time manager for the children’s advocacy program within the SafeChoice shelter.

The program supports children who are living at the shelter with their parents. The advocate will help supervise children while parents attend support groups; organize activities that are educational, fun and therapeutic; plan birthday and holiday celebrations while children are separated from extended family; and provide advocacy to children and parents during their shelter stay.

The grant is part of The Mary Kay Foundation’s annual $3 million national grant program to 150 domestic violence shelters.

According to a national survey conducted in March by Mary Kay, domestic violence shelters indicate the economic downturn has increased demand for services.

“In light of the economic downturn and alarming increases in domestic violence, The Mary Kay Foundation’s mission is more critical than ever before. The SafeChoice domestic violence shelter has helped so many people and their families in the Vancouver area. We know they will use these funds to benefit even more domestic violence survivors and their children and help end domestic violence,” Jennifer Cook, foundation board member, said in a news release.