AMADOR COUNTY, CA (October 15, 2014) - While domestic violence has experienced a recent boost in awareness due to recent events, women and children in Amador County are in need of housing, resource and support programs as they flee abusive situations and work to rebuild their lives.

Operation Care in Jackson, California received a $20,000 grant from The Mary Kay Foundation as part of the organization's annual Shelter Grant program to maintain critical services and programs. The Mary Kay Foundation awarded a total of $3 million in funding to 150 domestic violence shelters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam in advance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

"It's been a bigger challenge than ever for shelters to keep their doors open and grants from The Mary Kay Foundation are a vital part in helping shelters move forward in their missions," said Anne Crews, board member for The Mary Kay Foundation and Vice President of Public Affairs for Mary Kay Inc. "The shelter grants are a signature program of the Foundation and represent just one of the ways Mary Kay is committed to ending domestic violence. We are proud to support local shelters like Operation Care that are on the front lines of helping women and children who need shelter and support from abuse."

Operation Care will use the funds from this grant to provide critical support for its shelter program to help survivors of domestic violence. Last year, 276 women, men and children were assisted with with safe housing and other services.    

"Our staff, volunteers and clients are so thankful for this grant from The Mary Kay Foundation," said Tammie Crabtree, Executive Director of Operation Care. "We've provided a safe haven for women who have fled abusive relationships for the past 34 years and this grant will go a long way in helping us serve the needs of our community." Much of Operation Care's funding is through restrictive grants that state specifically how the money is to be used. The unrestricted funds from the Mary Kay Foundation will help provide the extra services that make such a big difference to survivors.

For nearly 20 years The Mary Kay Foundation has supported the prevention and elimination of domestic violence, an epidemic that touches one in every four women in her lifetime. Through the Foundation's annual shelter grant program, $37 million has been granted to domestic violence organizations since 2000. Nearly 700 shelters requested funding this year.

Click here for a full list of 2014 grant recipients or visit marykayfoundation.org for additional information.

Posted by TSPN TV Oct 16, 2014