This grant funded a new volunteer training and management program to help victims of domestic violence—women and children in flight from violent and sometimes lethal circumstances. Volunteers help women in DVS’ shelter and Second Stage transitional housing programs rebuild their self-esteem and confidence, develop household management and parenting skills, increase job skills and earning power, find stable employment, gain independent living skills, and move into permanent housing. The sharp rise in domestic violence coupled with the recession and a state budget crisis underscored that this grant came at a critical time.