Petit Family Foundation Grant Supports Free Self-Defense Classes for Women

Thu, 01/10/2013 - 10:53

 

   Jane Doe No More, Inc. has received a $7,000 grant from the Petit Family Foundation to help fund free self-defense classes for women. Since 2009, Jane Doe No More has offered fee-based, Escape Alive Survival Skills classes for women and girls. Developed and delivered by the professional team at East Coast Training Systems, Escape Alive participants learn personal safety strategies and physical techniques designed to disable assailants and enable escape.

 

“Escape Alive is not only one of our core programs,” explained Jane Doe No More executive director Debra Meyers, “but one of the programs and partnerships we are most proud of.  We are thrilled that the Petit Family Foundation will now join us in that partnership, and that they do so in such a meaningful way.”

 

   The Petit Family Foundation grant, coupled with grants from Watertown’s Main Street Financial Group, the Naugatuck Savings Bank Foundation, and Sikorsky Aircraft, will cover all costs associated with delivering Escape Alive classes, allowing Jane Doe No More to offer the program at no cost in 2013.

 

“Removing participation and registration fees allows us to reach a broader cross-section of the population,” Meyers notes, “including women and girls who otherwise might not have access to such an important service. It also allows other community organizations to work with us to get this program to their constituents at no cost.”

 

Jane Doe No More plans to hold 15 separate Escape Alive classes in 2013, including four during the month of April to recognize National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. To host a class at your venue, contact Debbie@janedoenomore.org , or call 203-729-0245. To participate in a class, watch our website for the new schedule, then register online at www.janedoenomore.org .

 

Jane Doe No More is a national 501(c) 3 non-profit working to improve the way society responds to victims of sexual assault through education, awareness, advocacy, and support. The Petit Family Foundation honors the memories of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit, and Michaela Rose Petit by “continuing the kindness, idealism and activism that defined their lives.” Foundation grants are given to foster the education of young people, especially women in the sciences, to improve the lives of those affected by chronic illness and to support efforts to protect and help those affected by violence.

 

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