PRESS RELEASE

City-based women’s support groups are among those to gain grants from the ASB Community Trust in its latest funding round.

 

Grey Lynn’s Auckland Women's Centre was granted $77,000 for its crisis support, parenting programmes and adult community education work. Another Grey Lynn group, the Inner City Women’s Group, gained $15,000 for its work in helping break the cycle of abuse, domestic violence and child abuse, while Newton’s Positive Women Inc gained $69,000 for its work supporting women and their families living with HIV/Aids.

Grafton-based Dress for Success was granted $60,000. The organisation helps unemployed and low income women get jobs by providing them, free of charge, with suitable clothing for job interviews. At the same time it provides guidance and advice to help boost their self esteem and confidence.

Among other grants made to city groups was $148,000 to Presbyterian Support Services for a range of projects in the region, $51,000 for refurbishment of Ponsonby’s St Columba Centre,

$68,000 toward improvements at Abbeyfield Auckland’s family-style accommodation for older people, $54,000 for the Kids Help Foundation Trust’s telephone counselling service and $51,000 for Safe Network’s work with sexual offenders, which aim to stop the sexual abuse of children.

ASB Community Trust decides on grants for projects in education, the arts, sport, recreation, environment, heritage, health and social services areas each month. At their September meeting trustees approved $2.5 million worth of grants, part of the $55 million granted to community group projects in Auckland and Northland each year.

Founded on the sale of its shares in the ASB bank, the Trust has granted more than $500m since being formed in 1988. Any incorporated or charitable trust can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation.

For more details about applying, visit the Trust’s website: www.ASBCommunityTrust.org.nz

(ENDS)

For further information, contact:

ASB Community Trust CEO Jennifer Gill, (09) 360 0291.

Dress for Success: Judy Whiteman, 021 390 389.

Inner City Women’s Group: Hazel Scott, 360 4933.

Auckland Women's Centre:  Leonie Morris, 376 3227.

Positive Women Inc: Jane Bruning, 309 1858.

Safe Network: John McCarthy 377-9898 extension 725, or 0274 420674.