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Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center is awarded a $5,000 unrestricted grant

NEWBURYPORT, Mass., May 3, 2021 – The Women’s Fund of Essex County has awarded the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center a $5,000 unrestricted grant to support survivors of domestic violence and their families. This grant is part of a broad effort to support Essex County nonprofit organizations addressing the significant needs and impacts of Covid-19 and societal inequities, primarily as it relates to women and girls.

Suzanne Dubus, Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center stated, “We are grateful for this grant, and for the ongoing support that we receive from The Women’s Fund of Essex County,” Dubus said. “This is a critical time to support women, and especially women of color, who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Since the early months of Covid-19, we have seen an 18.5% increase in adult and child survivors of domestic violence seeking services.”

Funds will go towards the increased demand for services, including the Center’s advocacy, therapeutic and legal programs. The extended period of social distancing and increased isolation of the pandemic created acute safety and economic risks for domestic violence survivors. Forced to stay in their homes with abusive partners, this vulnerable population—primarily women and children— is experiencing escalating stress, increased concerns for their health, financial setbacks, and a mounting threat of violence. More than ever, survivors need fast access to safety planning, legal services, and therapeutic counseling from professionals who understand the intersection of their current experience with domestic violence.

About Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center

Since 1982, the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center has been helping individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. What first began as the compassionate mission of several volunteer parishioners of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newburyport has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit organization serving adult and child survivors of domestic violence from Newburyport to the Merrimack Valley; and providing tools and strategies to reduce domestic violence homicides across the country. The mission of the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center is to empower individuals and engage communities to end domestic violence.

For more information, visit www.jeannegeigercrisiscenter.org or call the 24-hour confidential hotline at 978-388-1888.

About The Women’s Fund of Essex County

Founded in 2003, The Women’s Fund of Essex County’s mission is to promote philanthropy and award grants to organizations that provide opportunities and promote solutions for women and girls in need or at risk throughout Essex County. Since its inception, The Women’s Fund has awarded over $2.3 million to more than 100 non-profit programs. The Women’s Fund is a field of interest fund of Essex County Community Foundation located in Danvers, MA.

To learn more about The Women’s Fund, please visit www.thewomensfundec.org.

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