From GoUpstate.com
For the past six years, Silent Tears has worked to provide more resources to organizations helping victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse find the care they need.
Silent Tears founder Bob Castellani of Greer announced Thursday in Columbia a $5 million gift from the Castellani family to support organizations that promote an end to child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence across South Carolina. The funds will go toward children’s advocacy centers, domestic violence centers and rape crisis centers across the state.
“God placed these issues on our hearts, and because we had the ability to help, we felt compelled to act,” Castellani said in a statement. “Silent Tears is providing support to those organizations that work each day with the victims of these crimes, and we look forward to fulfilling more grant requests in the weeks and months to come.”
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union and Safe Homes Rape Crisis Coalition were among the 15 organizations receiving funding through the first phase. The funds will be used for a variety of capital needs, from roof repairs to replacing outdated heating and cooling units at the organizations. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union received $10,000, and Safe Homes received $20,000.
Organizations interested in applying for future Silent Tears grants can apply online at SilentTearsSC.org.