Men and women from Dallas to the Twin Lakes Area stepped forward in support of Serenity of Mountain Home during October with big dollars. October is recognized annually as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Mary Kay Foundation of Dallas awarded $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the country, including $20,000 to Serenity. This year, more than 1,200 organizations applied for the Mary Kay Foundation shelter grants.
The local funds came in the form of an unrestricted grant.
Serenity Board President Jennifer Porter tells KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot news the Mary Kay grant is a wonderful gift due to its flexibility.
Porter says most grants are designated for specific projects or positions. She says it is unusual for grants to be able to pay for operating expenses.
The May Kay funds are designated for operating expenses at the shelter, from water, gas, electric or phone bills, to the security system, insurance on the shelter, general repairs, maintenance, beds or furniture needing to be replaced in the living area or victim transportation.
The Mary Kay Foundation was established in 1996 with the overarching purpose of supporting issues impacting women. In 2000, the Foundation expanded to include ending domestic violence as part of its mission. The Foundation is committed to funding the life-saving work of womens 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.
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.
While Mary Kay is a predominantly female organization, locally a group of brave men and their families stepped forward in support of Serenity as participants in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.
The local supporters donned their best heels and sometimes dresses to walk a mile on the track at Bomber Stadium on the campus of Mountain Home High School.
Each man donated a minimum of $25, with many bringing more through pledges.
Contestants were judged for highest heels, best performance, best costume and fastest time.
Participants were Josh Dooley from the Baxter Bulletin; veteran Fred Stepp; Erric Totty from the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce; Marion County Sheriff Clint Evans, Mountain Home City Council Member Nancy Osmon; Jeff Quick, President and CEO of the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas; Keith Sharp; Wes Wood; George Truell from Arkansas State University-Mountain Home; Phil Garner; Chris Turner; Sam Wagner; Shane Brandow; Cory Schwartz; James Meyer; Daniel Dowden; Flippin Mayor Gerald Marberry; Flippin Police officers Henry Campbell and Lonnie Stone; Luke Krissen and Jesse Gillium.
With matching funds from Modern Woodmen of America, Serenity raised $5,665 dollars for victims of domestic violence through the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, now it its sixth year.
Serenity Inc. is a domestic shelter, offering services both in-house and through outreach. The organization also provides educational presentations to teens and children for safe dating and anti bullying.
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