Topeka, KS – Security Benefit, a leader in the U.S. retirement savings market, announced today a $50,000 donation to the YWCA Northeast Kansas to help end domestic violence in our community.
The donation will fund YWCA operations and improvements to the domestic violence shelter, a program of the organization’s Center for Safety and Empowerment. This is the only shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Shawnee, Jackson, and Wabaunsee Counties.
“We are proud to help women and children as they escape domestic violence and crisis situations,” said Mike Kiley, Security Benefit Chief Executive Officer. “Many of the women served would have nowhere to turn without the YWCA. It’s critical that these services remain in our community.”
“We consistently have full occupancy in our shelter, and unfortunately, the need for these services never goes away,” Interim YWCA CEO Joan Wagnon said. “For more than a century, Security Benefit has been a strong ally in the fight against domestic violence in our community. Donations like this one ensure we have the resources to meet this crucial need.”
In 2014 at the shelter, the YWCA provided more than 4,300 safe nights of emergency shelter to women and their children, responded to 2,700 calls to its emergency hotline, and helped more than 2,200 individuals through outreach services. In 2014, 145 women and children were sheltered in addition many others who received counseling and other forms of support. In 2015, those numbers increased.
Security Benefit is a longtime supporter of the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. The company was founded in 1892, and was one of the first in the country to offer life insurance protection for women. Since then, Security Benefit was named a top company for women, providing on-site child care, resources for expecting mothers, and nursing stations in the workplace. The company is also committed to diversity. The company’s Diversity Committee and Charitable Trust Committee have pledged support to YWCA programs for decades, and give to nearly 100 charitable organizations and events each year.
Security Benefit also supports the YWCA’s youth programs, Kids Quest and Girls on the Run. Currently, these programs serve nearly a thousand children each year, and most are below poverty level. The programs build self-confidence, teach life skills, boundaries, and how to maintain healthy relationships.
About Security Benefit
Since 1892, Security Benefit, a Kansas-based insurance company with more than $30 billion in assets under management, is a leading retirement savings and income solutions provider. Through a combination of innovative products, exceptional investment management and a unique distribution strategy, Security Benefit is a leader in a full range of retirement markets and wealth segments.
To learn more about Security Benefit, visit SecurityBenefit.com.
About the YWCA Northeast Kansas
The YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Established in 1887, YWCA Northeast Kansas now serves thousands of area women and their families, and its advocacy issues reflect the mission and values of the organization. The YWCA promotes solutions to improve the lives of women, girls and people of color across the country.
Read more about YWCA Northeast Kansas programs and services, get involved, and learn how you can help support the YWCA’s mission at YWCANEKS.org.