180 Turning Lives Around Receives $20,000 Grant from Mary Kay Ash Foundation to Support Domestic Violence Survivors

180 Turning Lives Around has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation to support survivors of domestic violence in Monmouth County. This funding is part of the Foundation's national initiative to invest $1 million in unrestricted funding to 50 domestic violence shelters across the country during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The grant will help sustain 180's Safe House, a 45-bed, 17,000-square-foot emergency shelter that provides safety, stability, and comprehensive wraparound care for individuals and families fleeing abuse.

The Safe House facility accommodates adult women and men, children, pets, and survivors with physical disabilities, ensuring that every individual seeking refuge has access to the care and compassion they deserve. Liz Graham, CEO of 180 Turning Lives Around, emphasized the importance of this facility, stating that it serves as one of their most vital emergency response and empowerment programs where concern and despair give way to confidence and determination, and where survivors begin their journey to becoming thrivers.

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation has been dedicated to supporting issues that impact women and their families since its founding in 1996. In 2000, the Foundation expanded its mission to include the prevention and ending of domestic violence. Through its annual shelter grant program, now totaling over $57 million in investments, the Foundation supports the critical work of women's shelters nationwide, including emergency housing, transitional services, counseling, and legal advocacy. More than 300 organizations applied for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation's shelter grants, with 180 Turning Lives Around being honored as one of the 50 recipients nationwide.

For nearly 50 years, 180 Turning Lives Around has provided safety, support, and hope to survivors of domestic and sexual violence throughout Monmouth County. The organization's programs include emergency shelter, crisis counseling, court and advocacy services, art therapy for children, and a 24/7 confidential hotline. The Mary Kay Ash Foundation raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Foundation has contributed more than $96 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. Additional information about the Mary Kay Ash Foundation can be found at https://marykayashfoundation.org.

This grant represents significant support for domestic violence services at a time when such resources are critically needed. The funding will enable 180 Turning Lives Around to continue providing essential services to vulnerable populations, potentially impacting hundreds of individuals and families in Monmouth County who are seeking safety from abusive situations. The recognition from a national foundation like Mary Kay Ash also brings increased visibility to the ongoing efforts to combat domestic violence and support survivors in their healing journeys.