SAFE Harbor receives Mary Kay Foundation award
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News from SAFE Harbor
Violence is a societal challenge around the world. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness among families. In California alone, the cost of domestic violence annually is $73.7 billion for health care, lost productivity and income, and criminal justice and response program spending, according to the Newcomb Institute. This is about 2% of the gross domestic product for California. Within Lake County and the Flathead Reservation, the impact of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence has consequences crossing generations. Recognizing the need for support to survivors and their families, the Mary Kay Foundation selected SAFE Harbor as the State of Montana Shelter Grant Recipient with a $20,000 award.
“We are thrilled to be chosen for this special honor,” said SAFE Harbor Executive Director Brandi Clark. “Mary Kay’s support of survivors across the United States is directly helping those most in need.”
SAFE Harbor is the violence services agency for the region between Missoula and Kalispell. The program provides shelter, transitional housing, civil legal services, advocacy, counseling, group therapy, education, a batterer intervention program, transportation, food, gas, household goods, a 24-hour hotline, and referrals. All services are free.
“A survivor often has ongoing trauma from the experience,” Clark said. “That is why the counseling we have can be so important. Even if someone experienced violence in the past they can still access our services.”
Annually, the Mary Kay Foundation awards funding to at least one program providing shelter to those dealing with violence in all 50 states. The funding is unrestricted.
“Having these funds will help with filling in the gaps for services,” Clark explained.
“Most grant funds we receive are restricted to very specific purposes. Having this support, that can be used as needed, to best serve clients is wonderful.”
The Mary Kay Foundation was established by founder Mary Kay Ash to invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for cancer affecting women and to end domestic violence. Since its establishment in 1996, the foundation has awarded over $100 million in support of these priorities.
“Mary Kay Ash was a lady who cared about others and the creation of the foundation is having an ongoing impact on the lives of survivors of violence,” Clark said.
Along with their core services, SAFE Harbor also operates Sister Sallie’s Thrift Store which is both a training location for those seeking employment and a revenue stream supporting direct client needs.
“This financial support is so important to our work. Of course, we couldn’t carry out our programming without volunteers,” Clark said. “Volunteers help with the hotline and at the thrift store. We are so thankful for the time they give and continue to seek new volunteers.”
Each year, the Mary Kay Foundation awards their shelter grants as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. First observed in October 1981, as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held each October as a way to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence, to raise awareness about domestic violence, and to help communities identify prevention strategies.
“We appreciate all the support from our friends and neighbors in the community that is provided year-round,” Clark said. “Local assistance, combined with funds from programs like Mary Kay, enable us to offer victim-centered services to survivors and their children.”
For those needing assistance, call SAFE Harbor at 406-676-0992 or the hotline at 406-676-0800. Information is also available at www.safeharbormt.org.
