A $500,000 donation from Racine-based SC Johnson has formed the base of a $1.5 million campaign that will fund the development of a Burlington shelter for victims of domestic violence.
The shelter, a project guided by the nonprofit Women’s Resource Center of Racine Inc., will house 12 to 20 people, depending on the size of families seeking refuge there at one time. The shelter, which will likely be ready for occupation in early December, will also offer counseling and legal advocacy services as well as facilitate on-site supervised visitations.
“We had a dream when we launched our new capital campaign,” said Cherie Griffin, executive director of the Women’s Resource Center of Racine Inc. “With SC Johnson’s generous support, we are well on our way to making this an attainable goal. SC Johnson’s contribution will help to change lives, and in many cases, save lives of victims fleeing from every corner of our community.”
The donation is also supporting renovations at the organization’s current facility on the west side of Racine County–a facility inadequate for nighttime shelter services and weekend service hours. Renovations are currently underway and are expected to be wrapped up by the end of February. In addition to receiving upgrades to its roof, windows and electrical system, the building is being outfitted with new security cameras and lighting, and bathrooms are being expanded.
“We are honored to support an organization that is so committed to helping families through the trauma of domestic violence,” said Fisk Johnson, chairman and chief executive officer of SC Johnson. “We are pleased to do our part to make the (Women’s Resource Center of Racine Inc.’s) dream a reality–it’s not only an investment in the organization but also in the well-being of our community.”
