Empowering Survivors: A Beacon of Hope in Monmouth County

Supporting Survivors with a Generous Grant

In an empowering move for survivors of domestic violence in Monmouth County, 180 Turning Lives Around has been honored with a $20,000 grant from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation®. This grant is a vital part of the Foundation's commitment to invest $1 million in unrestricted funding to 50 domestic violence shelters across the country, marking a significant effort during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The generosity of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation extends a lifeline to those in dire need of support, safety, and a chance to rebuild their lives away from abuse.

A Safe Haven for Healing

The grant awarded to 180 Turning Lives Around is earmarked to sustain its Safe House, a sanctuary providing safety, stability, and comprehensive wraparound care. The 45-bed, 17,000-square-foot emergency shelter goes beyond offering a safe space; it ensures that adult women and men, children, and even pets, along with survivors with physical disabilities, have access to the compassion and care they deserve. Liz Graham, CEO of 180 Turning Lives Around, encapsulates the essence of the Safe House as a transformational environment where 'concern and despair give way to confidence and determination' and where survivors embark on their journey to thriving beyond the trauma of domestic violence.

A Legacy of Caring and Empowerment

Since its inception in 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has been fiercely dedicated to matters that impact women and their families profoundly. The expansion of its mission in 2000 to include the prevention and ending of domestic violence has bolstered its efforts to support the critical work of women’s shelters nationwide. Through its annual shelter grant program, the Foundation has channeled over $57 million into initiatives that offer emergency housing, transitional services, counseling, and legal advocacy, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to creating a safer, more supportive world for women.

180 Turning Lives Around, with its nearly half-century legacy of providing safety, support, and hope to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, embodies the spirit of resilience and recovery. Its comprehensive suite of programs, including emergency shelter, crisis counseling, court and advocacy services, art therapy for children, and a 24/7 confidential hotline, offers a beacon of hope for many. The recognition and support from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation not only underscore the critical nature of 180’s work but also reaffirm the shared vision of a world where every survivor has the support they need to turn their lives around.

In the face of adversity, partnerships like the one between 180 Turning Lives Around and the Mary Kay Ash Foundation shine as examples of how collective efforts can make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and communities. As we reflect on the impact of such collaborations, it's clear that the path to healing and empowerment is paved with the kindness, generosity, and commitment of organizations and individuals dedicated to making the world a safer, more compassionate place. To learn more about the life-saving work of 180 Turning Lives Around and the Mary Kay Ash Foundation, visit their websites and consider how you can contribute to their mission of supporting and empowering women.