SACRAMENTO, CA – The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, has awarded a $40,000 grant to of My Sister’s House, a non profit that serves the needs of Asian and Pacific Islander women and children impacted by domestic violence by providing a culturally appropriate and responsive safe haven and community services. The grant will allow the charity to provide job-skills training and financial education.
The Sisters Achieving Self-Sufficiency Program will increase self-empowerment through education for women and families victimized by domestic violence, which can create serious obstacles that prevent survivors from achieving economic security and self-sufficiency.
“My Sister’s House is so grateful for Verizon’s support and commitment to help women economically and personally rebuild their lives from domestic violence,” said Nilda Valmores, My Sister’s House executive director. “This grant will help My Sister’s House aid domestic violence survivors through the Sisters Achieving Self Sufficiency Program, which includes its Women to Work project.”
Domestic violence survivors enrolled in the program will attend at least one 16-week session of the Women to Work project. To make the transition into a stable job or an upgraded occupation, participants will receive support including group therapy; one-on-one mentoring and case management; utilization of Sacramento Works Career Centers; and additional training from community colleges, adult schools and specialized certification programs. The curriculum will be culturally sensitive and reach populations less likely to see assistance through traditional service agencies.
“My Sister’s House programs have been the catalyst needed to inspire women to make life-changing decisions,” said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. “We are proud to support an organization that has a proven record of success in domestic violence awareness, prevention and survivor support.”