Avon Foundation Awards $5,000 To VCS

The Avon Foundation for Women awarded a $5,000 one-year grant to VCS Inc. to provide counseling services to domestic violence victims.  It is the fifth year VCS received Avon Foundation funding to support its counseling work. 

VCS adminstrators were grateful for Avon's support of its mission. The domestic violence program at VCS supports victims in the Rockland County area and delivers essential services, including counseling.

"With these funds we will be able to provide accessible and affordable counseling services to women who are victims of domestic violence,” said Deborah Cary Murnion, executive director of VCS.  

The grant is part of an annual Avon Foundation for Women program that invites Avon regional offices across the United States to nominate local domestic violence non-profit organizations for funding under the Avon Foundation for Women Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. 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 2011, the Avon Foundation provided more than $28 million for domestic and gender violence programs in the United States, including support for awareness, education, direct service and prevention.   

“The Avon Foundation for Women is committed to helping end the cycle of domestic violence and is proud to support VCS Inc. in its work to help domestic violence victims in Rockland County,” said Carol Kurzig, president, Avon Foundation for Women.  "It is through initiatives like the VCS  counseling program that we can work to break the cycle of domestic violence once and for all, and ensure the safety for victims and their families.”  

Since 1970 VCS Inc. has provided services and support to thousands of domestic violence victims.  

The Avon Foundation for Women, an accredited 501(c) (3) public charity, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women, and focuses on two key issues: breast cancer and domestic violence. Avon's Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program supports domestic violence awareness, education, direct services and prevention initiatives.  The Avon Foundation has donated more than $28 million in the United States to support awareness, education, direct service and prevention programs aimed at reducing domestic and gender violence.