In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The Mary Kay Foundation awarded $2 million in grants to 100 domestic violence shelters across the country.

Domestic Violence Service Center has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in Luzerne and Carbon counties.

This year’s grant contribution brings the foundation’s total investment in its shelter grant program to $52 million.

The Mary Kay Foundation was established in 1996 with the overarching purpose of supporting issues impacting women. In 2000, the foundation expanded to include ending domestic violence as part of its mission.

The foundation is committed to funding the lifesaving work of women’s shelters, and the annual shelter grant program has helped finance critical needs including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling and legal aid. All of these resources support women and children as they seek refuge and relief on their journey to an abuse-free life. This year, more than 1,100 organizations applied for the Mary Kay Foundation shelter grants.

“At Mary Kay, we believe in helping women improve their circumstances and live their best lives,” said Michael Lunceford, president of The Mary Kay Foundation Board of Directors. “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, more than 72,000 adult and child victims 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 399,000 women and their families will receive domestic violence support services through the 100 agencies awarded grants by The Mary Kay Foundation.

Domestic Violence Service Center is the only agency in Luzerne and Carbon counties whose primary purpose is to provide emergency shelter and comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence and their dependent children.

In addition, Domestic Violence Service Center offers a multitude of services including 24-hour hotline for crisis intervention, information and referrals; Protection from abuse advocacy/accompaniment; civil legal representation by attorneys; parenting and life skills programs; children’s programs and community education.

“The Mary Kay Foundation support is an opportunity to provide awareness on domestic violence and stabilize resources available for victims,” said Paula Triano, executive director of the Domestic Violence Service Center. “It is also an opportunity to recognize the importance and need for local support to sustain the Domestic Violence Service Center’s resources to continue to provide safety and life saving services to victims.” she said.

“The task of removing the social stigma of domestic violence, moving it out from behind closed doors, and getting society to speak about it is daunting,” she said.

Triano said that violence in the home is a crime which has a devastating impact on the lives of all family members and on society as a whole.

“Community support is vital in addressing this insidious problem.”