First of its kind scholarship announced in Marystown

Marystown, NL, December 9th, 2016: This afternoon in Marystown an announcement will be made to launch the Grace Sparkes House Educational Scholarship for woman and families who has accessed the services provided by the Transition House in the past.

According to Lisa Slaney, Executive Director of Grace Sparkes House “This is the first scholarship of this kind that we know of in the country, it is not a fund for tuition, it is for childcare, transportation, rent, anything that a woman needs to stay in school and continue to work toward her educational goals”

Grace Sparkes House has been providing emergency services to women and their children who have experience violence for over 16 years and this new scholarship will allow Grace Sparkes House to continue to work with and help those women and children after they have left the shelter. “I am excited, that we can provide not just crisis support but ongoing support. It sends a strong message to women experiencing violence that we are committed to supporting them in their lives long after they have left the doors of Grace Sparkes House” – Lisa Slaney

Up to $2000 annually will be provided to support post-secondary students who have accessed services at Grace Sparkes House in achieving their educational goals. These funds were provided through donations from community members in the Marystown area, specially a small group of woman who are Avon Consultants who have been committed to the work of Grace Sparkes House for many years.

The event will take place on Friday, December 9th at 1:00 at the Marystown Hotel and Convention Centre. Speaking at the event will be MHA Carol Anne Haley, Lisa Slaney of Grace Sparkes House, Dan Meades of the Transition House Association of NL and Elaine Tarrant Grace Sparkes House Board Member and Avon Consultant.