Media Contact:
Leeanna Varga
The Second Step
lvarga@thesecondstep.org
(617) 965-2026

McDonald’s Awards $10,000 to The Second Step


Newton, MA., December 12, 2003 -- The Second Step, a Newton-based transitional program for battered women and their children, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England to purchase a van. On Thursday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m., representatives from Ronald McDonald House Charities will present the check to The Second Step at an awards ceremony at the McDonald’s restaurant located at 197 California Street in Newton.

The van will replace one of two vehicles used by The Second Step staff to take children on educational and social field trips, according to Liz Kirsch, LICSW, MMHS, executive director of The Second Step. “The van we will replace has seen ten years of wear and tear and has gone over 100,000 miles,” said Kirsch, “we clearly need a new vehicle.” The Second Step offers academic enrichment and a therapeutic curriculum to children in its residential program to help them heal from the trauma of domestic abuse. Trips to Boston area museums and cultural events, as well as activities such as horseback riding, ice skating and cross-country skiing are planned throughout the year.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England receives its funding from individual donors who drop change in a McDonald’s in-store canister, Happy Meal proceeds, fund-raisers, and through the generosity of McDonald’s owner/operators who are committed to the communities they serve. Its mission is to help children live happier, healthier, and more productive lives.

About The Second Step:
Founded in 1992, The Second Step is a private, nonprofit organization that provides long-term transitional services to survivors of domestic abuse and their children. Its mission is to help women develop life and job skills that enable them to make a successful transition to independent living. The agency is funded through federal, state, and local grants as well as donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and community organizations. More information about the agency can be found at www.thesecondstep.org.