MOULTRIE, Ga. — As part of The Mary Kay Foundation’s annual shelter grants program, Colquitt County’s women’s shelter, Serenity House, has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to further the organization’s efforts to combat domestic violence and provide rehabilitation services throughout Colquitt County area.

The grant awarded to Serenity House is part of $3 million in funding that the foundation has awarded this year to 150 domestic violence shelters in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.

Serenity House will use grant funding to provide critically needed structural improvements. Other recipients use the unrestricted funds for basic operating expenses, hiring additional personnel, completing repairs and renovations, or adding programs and resources based on the unique needs of their shelter and the clients they serve.  

“Serenity House is incredibly grateful for support from The Mary Kay Foundation and its continued commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence,” said Shannon Morgan, director of Serenity House. “This grant money will be used to make much needed improvements in both the interior and exterior areas of the shelter.”

A number of local and area representatives came together from various branches of the Mary Kay family to support this application. Letters of support were provided by Christine Forehand (sales director), Hayes White, Claudia Malagon, Melanie B. McClure (senior director), and Cleta Colson-Eyre (executive senior sales manager).

“It is clear that their support was largely responsible for Serenity House’s receiving this grant and we are very grateful,” Morgan said. “We are also grateful to the United Way for providing assistance in preparing this application.”

 “The fact that shelters across the country can use these unrestricted funds to best fit their immediate needs has often made the difference between keeping the doors open or closed, maintaining a critical service or providing a life-saving safe place for a family in need,” said Anne Crews, board member for The Mary Kay Foundation and vice president of public affairs for Mary Kay Inc. “As the Foundation celebrates 20 years of making a difference in the lives of women and children, we are proud to continue our signature domestic violence program in communities nationwide. We know hundreds of thousands of lives have been impacted, not only today but for generations to come.”

Nearly 600 domestic violence shelters applied for The Mary Kay Foundation shelter grants this year. Mary Kay Inc.’s global cause-related program, Beauty That Counts, helps support The Mary Kay Foundation’s annual shelter grant program. Mary Kay has a deep commitment to ending abuse and alongside The Mary Kay Foundation℠ has given $53 million to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs, according to a press release from the company.  

Please visit marykayfoundation.org for additional information and for the full list of 2016 Shelter Grant recipients.