Two shelters that are centers for refuge for many women fleeing abusive domestic situations just got an extra boost in funding by way of a grant.
The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation presented the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault with a $20,000 grant to help with expenses associated with operating the agency’s shelters.
The grant received by the coalition was one of 150 awarded to organizations that combat domestic violence in communities.
“We are so excited, we needed it so badly,” Joan Flail, shelter program director for the Florence location said. “The Mary Kay Ash foundation does so much to help victims, so we are just thrilled to have been chosen.”
The foundation was created 12 years ago. Its mission is to fund research of cancers affecting women and help prevent domestic violence by raising awareness about the issue.
The funding will go to support the many programs within the shelter that are offered to the women and children who have made it their home, Flail said.
The shelter has a children’s program to help rehabilitate the many who have witnessed violence in their homes. The children undergo play therapy as well as tell stories and draw pictures about their family, Flail said.
“It helps to fund everything we do for women and children,” she said. “We have parenting groups and support groups. We teach living skills and employment skills. They learn how to write résumés and practice how to do an interview.”
The women can stay at the shelter for as many as 60 days, but their stay can be extended if they don’t have a suitable place to call home, Flail said.
The Pee Dee Coalition also works with other transitional shelters in the area that offer longer stays.
“We try to let them make their own decision,” Flail said. “For many, it’s the first time in a long time where they can make their own decision. The shelter is the beginning of the rest of their life.”
While the money does help, Flail said the shelter appreciates the donation of any household items for the 12 women and six children who are housed at the shelters.
For details about the Pee Dee Coalition, call (843) 669-4694 or visit www.peedeecoalition.org. Its crisis line can be reached any time at (843) 669-4600 or (800) 273-1820. For details on the Mary Kay Ash Foundation, call (877) MKCARES or visit www.mkacf.org.
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