The Allstate Foundation granted $30,000 to Wise Women Gathering Place (WWGP) as part of the Domestic Violence Response Fund (DVRF). The new fund – established by a half-million-dollar donation from The Allstate Foundation – was created in partnership with Futures Without Violence and directly supports domestic violence survivors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with resources, shelter, and nearby crisis centers. 

     The $30,000 gives WWGP much needed resources to virtually bring the healthy relationship and healthy decision-making Discovery Dating curriculum to people who've experienced intimate partner. Discovery Relationships, the workshop developed for both adults and youth, provides thoughtful activities and discussion to those working to rebuild their lives following abuse. The investment in domestic violence relief comes as a pivotal time for survivors as the pandemic continues to jeopardize the lives of millions of women, children, and those most vulnerable to violence who have been sheltering in place with abusers as a result of COVID-19.  The innovative crowd-sourced fundraiser was launched with support from Nicole Kidman and founding donor The Allstate Foundation, in collaboration with Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, to help survivors to heal and to rebuild their lives following abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

     In 2020, The Allstate Foundation granted nearly $5M to domestic violence organizations, including more than $1.5M in emergency grants that helped front-line advocates respond to the COVID-19 crisis. "The pandemic has intensified the need for critical domestic violence resources for both survivors and the organizations that serve them," said Francie Schnipke Richards, vice president of social responsibility and The Allstate Foundation. “We've been passionate in our efforts to end domestic violence, and this donation aims to empower survivors, prevent further abuse and help stop the cycle of violence." 

“Our shared pledge to ensure safety, health, and justice has never been more necessary — or more urgent,” said Esta Soler, President of Futures Without Violence. “Experts across the globe are confirming the second wave of the domestic violence “shadow pandemic” is only getting worse. Grants from the Domestic Violence Response Fund will provide desperately needed resources to experts on the ground, trusted by the community, who can and will help survivors find safety and start over after abuse.”

     The majority of the funding will go to direct-service organizations that are specifically addressing the disproportionate impact of domestic and sexual violence experienced by Black, Indigenous, and survivors of color. The organizations receiving grants are actively reaching and serving survivors in an effort to help them seek safety, justice, and healing so that they can rebuild their emotional and financial lives.

     “It is critical that emergency support services are culturally-specific, especially when addressing intimate partner violence,” said Soler. “The majority of organizations receiving funding from the DVRF are run by and for the communities, they serve-- providing critical funds to further enhance programs and strategies that specifically address the needs of a variety of BIPOC survivors, and help families heal from abuse.”

ABOUT FUTURES WITHOUT VIOLENCE:

     For more than 30 years, FUTURES has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies, and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world. Striving to reach new audiences and transform social norms, FUTURES trains professionals such as doctors, nurses, judges, and athletic coaches on improving responses to violence and abuse. FUTURES also works with advocates, policy makers, and others to build sustainable community leadership and educate people everywhere about the importance of respect and healthy relationships.

Twitter: @WithoutViolence | Instagram: @futureswithoutviolence | Facebook: @futureswithoutviolence

ABOUT THE ALLSTATE FOUNDATION:

     The Allstate Foundation accelerates positive change by empowering and educating the most vulnerable, inspiring today's visionaries and promoting community leadership. Since 2005, The Allstate Foundation has invested more than $70 million to help empower more than 2 million domestic violence survivors with education and tools to achieve financial independence and build a life free from abuse.

Twitter: @AllstateFDN | Instagram: @AllstateFDN | Facebook: @AllstateFDN