Honored for their domestic violence advocacy work: $62K grant for Sojourner Family Peace Center

MILWAUKEE (WITI) – The Avon Foundation for Women has awarded a $62,500 one-year grant to Sojourner Family Peace Center 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 Sojourner Family Peace Center will make an immediate difference to domestic violence survivors in Milwaukee. 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.

This program will also provide some of Sojourner’s most impactful work through one-on-one sessions and workshops. Topics covered include job readiness, health and wellness and civic participation.

“We are proud that the Avon Foundation for Women shares our mission and has chosen to support our Avon Domestic Violence Survivor Empowerment Program. Our partnership with Avon has allowed us to help hundreds of survivors achieve their educational, financial and employment goals. These funds are critical to our work and our mission to transform lives impacted by domestic violence.” said Carmen Pitre, Executive Director of Sojourner Family Peace Center.

“The Avon Foundation for Women is committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and is proud to support Sojourner Family Peace Center,” said Avon Foundation for Women President Cheryl Heinonen. “Research illustrates that domestic violence victims are less likely to leave an abusive relationship— and stay away from their abusers— if they have limited hope of achieving independent economic stability. With the help of these hands-on coordinators, we hope that more women in Milwaukee can end the cycle of abuse and ensure safety for themselves and their families.”

Since 2007, the Life Skills program at Sojourner Family Peace Center has provided services and support to more than 300 domestic violence victims annually. In 2014 Sojourner Family Peace Center’s Life Skills program started a writer’s workshop and book club. Sojourner’s Life Skill program also partnered with Milwaukee’s Community Advocates, ManpowerGroup and United Way of Greater Milwaukee to co-sponsor the 8th Annual Ready, Set Work! free, women’s seminar to help women prepare and succeed in the modern workplace. Sojourner Family Peace Center also partnered with the Center for Driver’s License Recovery and Employability to train survivor and offender advocates to assist Sojourner’s clients with suspended driver’s licenses.