Urban Resource Institute Awarded Avon Foundation For Women Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Grant For Avon Domestic Violence Survivor Empowerment Program

Avon Foundation Awards $1 Million to Fund 16 Coordinator Positions in Domestic Violence Organizations Across the United States

(New York, NY – February 10, 2015) – The Avon Foundation for Women has awarded a $62,500 one-year grant to Urban Resource Institute (URI) in support of its Avon Domestic Violence Survivor Empowerment Program, which provides annual funding for 16 full-time Economic Empowerment Coordinator positions in domestic violence agencies across the U.S. Since the Avon Domestic Violence Survivor Empowerment Program launched, the Avon Foundation has supported 111 coordinator positions throughout the U.S. by providing more than $6.5 million in grants.

The Avon Domestic Violence Survivor Empowerment Program is part of the Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence initiative, which launched in 2004 to help end the cycle of domestic violence. The Avon Foundation for Women has donated nearly $38 million for domestic and gender violence programs in the United States, including support for awareness, education, direct service and prevention.

The critical funds awarded to Urban Resource Institute will make an immediate difference to domestic violence survivors in New York City. Coordinators help provide domestic violence survivors with vital resources and economic empowerment tools necessary to develop self-sufficiency, so that they are able to lead independent, violence-free lives.

“One out of every four women in the U.S. will experience domestic violence during their lifetime,” said Nathaniel Fields, president and CEO of Urban Resource Institute. “With the Avon Foundation for Women’s generous grant, Urban Resource Institute will be able to continue its tradition of providing innovative solutions to those whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence in New York City.”

The Avon Foundation for Women grant will be used by Urban Resource Institute to support its Working Internship Network (WIN) program. Since 1998, WIN has provided domestic violence victims with financial literacy, computer and job skills training. In 2014 alone, 80 domestic violence survivors participated in the WIN program.

About Urban Resource Institute

Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a leading non-profit organization that provides comprehensive, holistic, and supportive human services programs that help individuals and families in the New York metropolitan area overcome obstacles and better their lives. With a rich 35-year legacy of social service research and expertise, deep community relationships, and a flexible, innovative approach to program development and service delivery, URI is uniquely equipped to provide solutions to the challenges affecting New York’s most vulnerable populations. URI’s hands-on programs for victims of domestic violence, the developmentally disabled, and people struggling with addiction and substance abuse are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the individual, while community outreach initiatives build wider visibility and support for the issues that have an impact on our clients’ quality of life and New York’s urban communities. For more information, please visit www.urinyc.org.

Avon Foundation for Women

The Avon Foundation for Women, the world’s largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2013, Avon global philanthropy, led by the Avon Foundation, has donated more than $957 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses on funding breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Visit www.avonfoundation.org for more information.

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, as well as direct services for victims and their families. Through 2013, the Avon Foundation for Women has donated nearly $38 million in the United States to support domestic violence programs, services and education. 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 more than 6 million Avon Representatives. Visit www.avonfoundation.org for more information.

For more Information

For more information on {name of your program} at {name of your organization}, please call {name} at {phone}. 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.

Contact:

Kevin Maloney
Group Gordon
(212) 784-5716
Kmaloney@groupgordon.com