Portsmouth, New Hampshire - (October 26, 2026) – In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Mary Kay Ash Foundation® announced it is awarding over $1 million in grants to 51 domestic violence shelters across the country. HAVEN NH has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in the Southeastern New Hampshire area. This year’s grant contribution brings the Foundation’s total investment in its shelter grant program to over $57 million.

The Mary Kay Ash 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 women’s shelters, and the annual shelter grant program has helped finance critical needs including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and legal aid. All these resources support women and children as they seek refuge and relief on their journey to an abuse-free life. This year, more than 300 organizations applied for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation shelter grants.

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, more than 11,000 requests for services are unmet due to a lack of resources.

HAVEN NH’s mission is to eliminate domestic and sexual violence through education, support, and social change. The organization serves 48 cities and towns with over 400,000 people. "This grant will assist in HAVEN's continued growth. We're very grateful for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation's generosity, and we know it will make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors who need our services, both today and in the years to come," said HAVEN's Director of Development, Becca Kurie.