Avon Foundation for Women Program Awards $500,000 to fund 48 Domestic Violence Organizations Across the United States and Puerto Rico
CARLSBAD, CA/November 10, 2015—The Avon Foundation for Women has awarded a $20,000 one-year grant to Leap to Success to provide leadership and employment-readiness training to victims of domestic violence. It is the second time that Leap to Success has received Avon Foundation funding to support its work on this critical issue. Leap to Success is one of 44 organizations across the United States this year to be granted funds for direct services through the Avon Foundation for Women Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program.
Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women launched Speak Out Against Domestic Violence in 2004 to help end the cycle of domestic violence. Through the end of 2014, the Avon Foundation has provided nearly $40 million for domestic and gender violence programs in the United States, including support for awareness, education, direct service and prevention.
“We are proud that the Avon Foundation for Women has chosen to support our program. With these funds we will be able to provide Leap to Confidence classes for as many as 25 domestic violence survivors to help them regain confidence in themselves while becoming ready to re-enter the workforce,” said Dana Bristol-Smith, founder of Leap to Success.
“The Avon Foundation for Women is committed to helping end the cycle of domestic violence and takes pride in supporting Leap to Success’s work to help domestic violence victims in San Diego,” said Christine Jaworsky, Program Director of Avon’s Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Program. “It is through initiatives like the Leap to Confidence classes that we can work to break the cycle of domestic violence once and for all, and help ensure safety for victims and their families.”
The Leap to Confidence program at Leap to Success will support victims in the San Diego area by helping them improve communication skills, effectively managing stress, and transform negative thought patterns into positive ones. This vital program will also teach women to believe in themselves and achieve their personal and professional goals. The results will not only be changed lives but transformed families and a healthier community.
Since 2008, Leap to Success has provided services and support to more than 700 domestic violence victims. Today, Leap to Success provides its leadership and employment-readiness training in collaboration with over 20 domestic violence and social service agencies in San Diego County. This year alone, Leap to Success was able to host seven Leap to Confidence courses.
Globally, at least one in three women has experienced some form of partner violence or abuse during her lifetime. In San Diego, 17,000 domestic violence incidents are reported to law enforcement each year. And 83 percent of female homicides in the county are tied to domestic violence.
Programs like Leap to Success help ensure that all victims have access to services that will help them rebuild their lives and break the cycle of domestic violence for themselves, their families, and future generations.
About Leap to Success
Founded in 2008 by Executive Director Dana Bristol-Smith, Leap to Success has the mission to educate and empower women who are overcoming domestic violence, homelessness, and other major life challenges to reach their greatest potential. Leap to Success has impacted the lives of over 700 women recovering from crisis through its Leap to Confidence and Transformation Leadership programs.
Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence
The Avon Foundation for Women launched Speak Out Against Domestic Violence in 2004 to support domestic violence awareness, education, and prevention programs aimed at reducing domestic and gender violence, and to provide direct services for victims and their families. Through 2014, the Avon Foundation for Women has contributed nearly $40 million in the United States towards this goal. Globally, Avon supports efforts to end violence against women in nearly 50 countries by raising funds through special product sales and educating women around the world through its army of six million Avon Representatives. Visit www.avonfaoundation.org for more information.
For More Information
For more information on Leap to Success, please call Dana at (760) 710-9510. For more information about domestic violence services, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or online at www.ndvh.org.
To learn more about the Avon Foundation for Women Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program, visit www.avonfoundation.org.
