As part of The Mary Kay Foundation’s annual shelter grants program, The ARK Domestic Violence Shelter (The ARK) has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to further the organization’s efforts to combat domestic violence and provide rehabilitation services throughout Brown, Coleman and Comanche Counties. The grant awarded to The ARK 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. The ARK will use the grant funding to provide critical support for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Other recipients use the unrestricted funds for basic operating expenses, hiring much-needed personnel, completing repairs and renovations or adding programs and resources based on the unique needs of their shelter and the clients they serve.  In 2015 there were 158 deaths caused by Domestic Violence, one of those being in our own community. The Ark served over 300 individuals and families that were victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Nearly 600 domestic violence shelters applied for The Mary Kay Foundation shelter grants this year.