The Family Crisis Council’s domestic violence shelter has received a $20,000 grant from The Mary Kay Foundation.

In advance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is this month, the foundation awarded $20,000 grants to 150 shelters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, for a total of $3 million.

While more than half of the grant recipients use the unrestricted funds for basic operating expenses, others hire much-needed personnel, complete repairs and facility renovations or add programs and resources.

The Family Crisis Council of Rowan County will use the grant funding to provide critical support for its battered women’s shelter by replacing flooring and purchasing furniture.

“At Family Crisis Council, we are incredibly grateful for support from The Mary Kay Foundation and its commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence,” said Renee Bradshaw, executive director.

“Having a safe haven for victims of abuse and their children that feels inviting and welcoming is very important to making them feel wanted. It gives a victim a sense of comfort knowing they have a clean and safe environment to begin their healing.”

Family Crisis Council operates the domestic violence shelter and provides a 24-hour crisis line for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

In addition to the shelter, other services include the Court Advocacy Program, Special Victims Program and Community Outreach program.

“Mary Kay has a long-standing commitment to prevent and end domestic violence,” said Anne Crews, board member for The Mary Kay Foundation and vice president of public affairs for Mary Kay Inc. “While progress has been made in the United States in meeting the needs of the thousands of domestic violence survivors who seek help each and every day, there remains a significant gap between funding and resources. We know from our work with shelter directors across the nation that the foundation’s annual grants are a lifeline for many shelters and continues to impact an epidemic that touches one in every four women.”

Since 2000, The Mary Kay Foundation has donated $35.6 million to domestic violence organizations. Approximately 625 domestic violence shelters applied for funding this year.

The foundation was created in 1996 to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue.

Family Crisis Council has provided a 24-hour crisis line and operated the only domestic violence shelter in Rowan County since 1990. Advocacy, support, information and referrals as well as case management is provided to all clients. Hospital accompaniment for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking are also provided.

Support groups are available to adult victims of domestic violence and sexual assault as well as children who are observers of these incidents. Individual therapy is also provided to victims.

All services are free of charge. Family Crisis Council is a United Way member agency and receives funding through local foundations, community donations and grants (City of Salisbury, US DHHS, NC Council for Women, Family Violence Prevention Services, Governor’s Crime Commission and FEMA).