Mary Kay Ash Foundation presents $20K grant to LACASA. (From left) Donna Fox-Davis, Mary Kay beauty consultant, LACASA President & CEO Bobette Schrandt, LACASA Board of Directors member Mike Murphy, LACASA Board of Directors Chair Patricia Claffey, and LACASA Chief Development Officer Gerie Greenspan.

LACASA Center of Howell is the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation. The 2023 grant contribution will directly benefit local domestic violence victims and survivors who are living in LACASA’s Crisis Shelter or Transitional Supportive Housing units.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation

“We are honored that the Mary Kay Ash Foundation awarded our organization with this generous grant,” said LACASA President & CEO Bobette Schrandt. “LACASA’s empowerment model enriches women’s lives by providing evidence-based services with dignity and respect, inspiring survivors to reach their potential.”

LACASA is an independent nonprofit agency that provides more than 35 critical services and programs under one roof for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence. All services for victims and their families are provided at no charge.

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation is donating $1 million in grants this year to 50 domestic violence shelters across the country. To date, the Foundation’s total investment in its shelter grant program is $56 million.

Established in 1996, the overarching purpose of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is to support issues impacting women. The Foundation expanded in 2000 to include ending domestic violence as part of its mission. The Foundation is committed to funding the life-saving work of women’s shelters, and the annual shelter grant program has helped finance critical needs including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and legal aid. All of these resources support women and children as they seek refuge and relief on their journey to an abuse-free life.

“At Mary Kay, we believe in helping women improve their circumstances and live their best lives,” said Michael Lunceford, president of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation board of directors. “One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and it is our responsibility to support the women’s shelters that aid these survivors. At the heart of the Foundation’s work is the shelter grant program, which is actively supported by our independent beauty consultants,” Lunceford said. “We’re proud that our commitment makes such a powerful impact in local communities and in the lives of domestic violence survivors across the country.”

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, more than 72,000 adult and child victims receive domestic violence services across the United States in just one day. Unfortunately, in the same period of time, more than 11,000 requests for services are unmet due to a lack of resources.

This year, more than 147,000 women and their families will receive domestic violence support services through the 50 agencies awarded grants by the Mary Kay Ash Foundation.

“LACASA Center serves more than 5,000 victims, survivors and their families each year,” said Schrandt. “Support from the community—and from organizations like the Mary Kay Ash Foundation—helps empower victims and survivors as they heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.”

About the Mary Kay Ash FoundationTM

Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, The Mary Kay Ash FoundationTM raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research to find a cure for women-related cancers and to end domestic violence against women. Since 1996, The Mary Kay Ash FoundationTM has contributed more than $92 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer and donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org.

 About LACASA Center

This locally-based nonprofit has served the Livingston County community since 1981. For more than four decades, LACASA has been recognized as a future-forward agency by providing all services under one roof for victims and survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence. This wrap-around model of service reduces trauma for victims and their families and makes sound economic sense for the community. To learn more about how you can help victims and survivors at LACASA, visit lacasacenter.org.