CONTACT
Ellen Paris
Kiner Communications
760-413-0471
(Indio, California—May 3, 2010) Martha’s Village & Kitchen was awarded a $50,000 grant from Verizon. According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, one in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime. The female homeless population is especially vulnerable. “Domestic Violence has long been a high priority for Verizon as we are dedicated to eradicating this issue. When we find an organization making a significant difference we are happy to assist them,” explains Doug McCallister, Verizon’s Director-External Affairs. The Verizon Foundation reports that one-fifth of the adults employed in the U.S. have been victims of domestic violence. Sixty-five percent are women and thirty-five percent are men according to the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence. Health-related costs of intimate partner violence exceed $5.8 billion each year, notes the Center for Disease Control.
The grant from Verizon provides funds for the Clinic at Martha’s Village to screen patients for domestic violence. Since October 2009, over 700 patients over the age of 18 have been screened. “Many have never been directly asked about intimate partner abuse during a medical visit,” observes Helen Carlson Ph.D., Program Administrator for the Medical Clinic at Martha’s Village. “Physical and sexual abuse has been identified as both a contributing cause and a consequence of homelessness. A higher rate of abuse has been reported in females compared with males and national studies have indicated over 60 percent of surveyed homeless women have been victims of severe physical or sexual assault. Our physicians can intervene,” Carlson adds.
The Verizon grant is one of several grants Martha’s Village & Kitchen has received; others include California Wellness, City of Indian Wells, Blue Shield, and the Regional Access Program.
About Martha’s Village & Kitchen: Founded in 1990, Martha's Village & Kitchen celebrates 20 years of making a difference this year as the largest provider of comprehensive homeless services in Riverside County. The continuum of care at Martha’s Village provides a place for people to reclaim their lives and break the cycle of homelessness. Programs include: Emergency Services such as food, clothing, infant supplies, utility, transportation & rent assistance; meals, emergency and transitional housing for single adults and families, counseling, training and education. Martha's Village also provides primary care medical services at the Clinic to the homeless uninsured within the community. Every dollar raised for Martha's Village stays in the Coachella Valley to serve neighbors in need.
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