DASAS awarded $20,000

Published 2:05 am Tuesday, October 26, 2010

THREE RIVERS — Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services (DASAS) Hillmann House shelter has been chosen to receive a $20,000 grant from The Mary Kay Foundation as part of the organization’s annual $3 million national domestic violence grant program.

Hillmann House is one of 150 domestic violence organizations participating in the program.

The grant will be used to improve the safety and environment for shelter residents and their children.

“This grant is such a blessing to DASAS and Hillmann House in a variety of ways,” said Mary Lynn Falbe, executive director.  “Not only does it make up for a deficit in funding this year but gives us hope and strength to continue what we do.

“Domestic Violence is not going away and deserves very serious attention.

“Programs to help battered women and their children require a lot of resources. That’s why we are so thankful The Mary Kay Foundation is helping us help families in Southwest Michigan.”

According to the second “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse” national survey conducted in March 2010, domestic violence shelters indicate the economic downturn increased demand for services.

Shelters also report the ability to raise funds and provide services will be hampered into 2011.

Due to the economy, the survey also revealed:

• 88 percent of domestic violence shelters expect their overall situation will worsen, or remain the same into 2011.

• Three out of four domestic violence shelters (77 percent) report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse.

• 51 percent of shelters nationwide note the abuse is more violent now than before the economic downturn.

“In light of the economic downturn and alarming increases in domestic violence, The Mary Kay Foundation’s mission is more critical than ever before.  DASAS and Hillmann House have helped so many women and their families in the southwest Michigan area.  We know they will use these funds to benefit even more domestic violence survivors and their children and help end domestic violence,” said Jennifer Cook, The Mary Kay Foundation board member.

About DASAS

Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services is leading efforts to end domestic violence and sexual assault in southwest Michigan.

DASAS assists domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in clarifying their options, accessing community services that support personal choice and providing a safe place for survivors and their children.

Please contact (269) 273-6154 or dasasinfo@dasasmi.org.

Serving Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.

24-Hour Helpline 1-800-828-2023

About The Mary Kay Foundation

The Mary Kay Foundation was created in 1996.

Its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue.

Since the foundation’s inception, it has awarded nearly $25 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and more than $14 million to cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States.

To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation, log on to www.marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).