DTE Energy Foundation grants $420,000 to Michigan shelters during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The latest grants bring DTE Foundation’s domestic violence support to over $2.2 million
Detroit, Oct. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The DTE Energy Foundation announced today it will continue its mission to support victims of domestic violence in Michigan by awarding another round of grants to 45 state-funded domestic violence shelters in Michigan. This year’s grant amount of $420,000 brings the Foundation’s total commitment to more than $2.2 million over the past four years.
“The tragic consequences of domestic violence are present in every county of our state and every aspect of our daily life,” said Lynette Dowler, president of the DTE Foundation. “The DTE Foundation remains committed to supporting these shelters that provide a safe haven to individuals forced to flee abusive relationships or settings. These agencies are a lifeline for victims and their families.”
The grant will be provided to 45 shelters that receive part of their funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Support will be based on bed count and go to critical expenses at each location. Funding also will be used to offer holistic survivor-centric services that include housing, transportation, employment and support for survivors who need assistance with healthcare needs or are struggling to navigate the criminal justice system.
“Many of the people we assist arrive at our shelter having just fled unimaginable violence and fear, with little more than hope for a better life,” said Lori Kitchen-Buschel, First Step executive director. "The funding we receive from the DTE Foundation allows us to provide comfort and shelter to these individuals. Without this funding, some of the adults and children who reach out to us might face additional barriers to their safety and security.”
“The need for assistance and shelter in our five-county region is great, these critical funds will support programs and services that have positively impacted hundreds of adults and children,” said Gail Kloss, executive director of Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. “Our organization relies heavily on outside support to deliver services to those who have nowhere else to turn. The support we receive from the DTE Foundation allows us to provide immediate assistance to our neighbors in crisis.”
To further support Domestic Violence Awareness Month, DTE team members volunteered to create more than 2,400 hygiene kits that have been delivered and distributed to shelters across Michigan.
The MDHHS notes the support of the DTE Foundation and many other private organizations is essential to meeting the ever-increasing need.
“Our goal is to help our community partners respond to every call, answer every plea and provide comfort and support to everyone who needs it,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS. “We’re grateful those agencies are receiving this generous support from the DTE Foundation.”
Domestic violence shelters eligible to receive DTE Foundation grants
Catherine Cobb Safe House, Adrian
Hope Shores Alliance, Alpena
SafeHouse Center, Ann Arbor
S.A.F.E. Place, Battle Creek
Bay Area Women's Center, Bay City
Children and Family Services of Southwestern Michigan/Safe Shelter, Inc.,
Women's Information Service, Inc., Big Rapids
Cadillac Area O.A.S.I.S, Cadillac
Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter, Calumet
HDC/Thumb Area Assault Crisis Center, Caro
Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Coldwater
YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit/Interim House, Detroit
Alliance Against Violence and Abuse, Escanaba
YWCA of Greater Flint/SAFE House, Flint
YWCA of West Central Michigan, Grand Rapids
River House, Grayling
Domestic Harmony, Hillsdale
Resilience, Holland
LACASA, Howell
RAVE – Ionia/Montcalm
Caring House, Inc., Iron Mountain
DOVE, Ironwood
AWARE, Jackson
YWCA of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo
Baraga County Shelter Home, L'Anse
End Violent Encounters (EVE), Lansing
Lapeer Area Citizens Against Domestic Assault, Lapeer
Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters, Ludington
CHOICES of Manistee County, Manistee
Women's Center/Harbor House, Marquette
Shelterhouse/Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Midland
Family Counseling and Shelter Services of Monroe County, Monroe
Turning Point, Mt. Clemens
RISE, Mt. Pleasant
Every Woman's Place, Muskegon
Women's Resource Center of Northern Michigan, Petoskey
First Step, Plymouth
HAVEN, Pontiac
Blue Water Safe Horizons, Port Huron
Underground Railroad, Saginaw
Anishnaabek Community and Family Services, Sault Ste. Marie
Diane Peppler Resource Center, Sault Ste. Marie
SafeCenter, St. Johns
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services, Three Rivers
Women's Resource Center Grand Traverse Area, Traverse City
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About the DTE Energy Foundation
The DTE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its electric and natural gas utilities, which serve 2.3 million electric customers in Southeast Michigan and 1.3 million natural gas customers in Michigan. In 2021, the DTE Energy Foundation provided more than $18.9 million in grant support where the company has a business presence with a focus on driving positive, meaningful change on three key areas: jobs, equity and the environment. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE aspires not only to be the best in the world, but the best for the world, serving as a force for growth and prosperity in the communities across Michigan. Visit DTEFoundation.com to learn more.
CONTACT: Amanda Passage DTE Energy 313.235.9207