Delores Barr Weaver recently approved a one-to-one matching challenge grant for up to $100,000 from the Delores Barr Weaver Fund to provide financial support for the Betty Griffin Center, a shelter providing protection, counseling and transitional support for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
The grant comes from the Delores Barr Weaver Fund and will match up to $100,000 given by new donors, current donors who increase their gift (the amount of the increase may count) along with those who have not donated to Betty Griffin Center since March 1, 2015, through December 31, 2018
“Hundreds of women, children and their family members who are victims of domestic and sexual violence in St. Johns County turn to Betty Griffin Center for shelter, counseling and other support to survive the trauma and move on with their lives each year,” said Weaver. “This is one of many deserving organizations in our area that is improving and even saving lives in our community every day.”
Betty Griffin Center CEO Joyce Mahr noted that this matching grant will play an important role in supporting the operation of the nonprofit while continuing to provide critical services. Donations received through the grant will be used to fund its shelter operations, counseling and educational programming, rape care unit at Flagler Hospital, child advocates and many other operational needs.
“Donations like this one from Mrs. Weaver are crucial in helping us cover our operating costs, which will enable us to continue to help the growing number of victims of sexual and domestic assault in our community,” Mahr said. “As St. Johns County continues to grow, the demand for services at Betty Griffin Center has increased by more than 50 percent since 2017, and there’s been an increase in our costs as well. The shelter and transitional housing continue to be over capacity, so this grant will help us close that gap.”
To donate and take part in the Delores Barr Weaver Challenge Grant, visit www.bettygriffincenter.org/donate/.
