In addition to the grants totaling $100,000, 600 Mary Kay care kits were assembled for the four shelters.
DALLAS, TX (May 23, 2023) – In the United States, one in four women will experience domestic violence during their lifetime. That’s one too many, according to the Mary Kay Ash FoundationSM. The Foundation recently awarded grants totaling $100,000 to four North Texas domestic violence shelters: Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, The Family Place, Denton County Friends of the Family, and Hope’s Door New Beginning Center.
The shelters will each receive $25,000 to help put their clients on the path to safety, hope, and healing. The Foundation’s funds will provide continued support of general operating costs, transitional housing, outreach counseling facilities, as well as therapeutic services, legal representation, and other services.
“In Texas, one in three women will experience domestic violence and Dallas County has the highest number of female domestic violence deaths in the state of Texas.When my great-grandmother began her Foundation more than 20 years ago, she envisioned a world where no woman would feel unsafe. Our mission to achieve that vision begins at home, in North Texas.”
Jessica Bair, Board Member Mary Kay Ash Foundation and great-granddaughter of Mary Kay Ash
[1] According to the fatality report published by Texas Council on Family Violence in 2021.
In addition to the grants, on May 11, employees at Mary Kay Inc. assembled 600 Mary Kay “Pink Changing Lives” care kits for donation to the four North Texas shelters. The care kits were packed to celebrate Mary Kay Ash’s Go-Give Spirit on her birthday.
“Over the years, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has been a steadfast ally in our fight to break the cycle of domestic violence terrorizing so many of our neighbors. The Foundation’s generous support and dedication to our mission has saved the lives of thousands of women and children by enabling us to provide our comprehensive continuum of care at no cost to our clients.”
Jan Langbein, Chief Executive Officer
Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support“We are so grateful for the longtime support from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation that has helped us serve nearly 20,000 survivors in 2022 alone. As the largest family violence service provider in Texas, generous grants like this are critical to our work of helping survivors progress from fear to safety through emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and skills development.”
Mimi Sterling, Chief Executive Officer
The Family Place“Denton County is one of the fastest growing counties in Texas and nationwide[1] and Denton County Friends of the Family serves as the sole provider of free, comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the area. 2022 marked a record 10% increase in crisis line calls and texts; and 20% increase in clients sheltered and in the number of shelter days. The grant from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is an investment in the safety, hope, healing, and justice of the ever-growing number of individuals whose lives will forever be changed by domestic violence and/or sexual assault. This investment creates a path for the healing of our clients.”
[1] According to the Census Bureau, Texas housed six out of 10 largest-gaining counties in 2022. Collin and Denton counties contributed to the increase alongside other Texas counties including Harris, Fort Bend, Bexar, and Montgomery. Combined, the six counties totaled gains of 209,182 residents.
Toni Johnson-Simpson, MSW, Executive Director
Denton County Friends of the Family
“Domestic violence continues to represent a quarter of all crime reported in Collin and Dallas Counties. The funding from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation will provide for the most critical needs of victims of family violence. Our partnership with the Mary Kay Ash Foundation will change lives by helping to equip individuals and families with the tools needed to recover from trauma and establish lives free from abuse. This translates to safer families and healthier communities.”
Christina Coultas, Chief Executive Officer
Hope’s Door New Beginning Center