Hilton Effect Foundation Recognizes LligamDona With a Grant To Launch Pioneering Social Project Supporting Vulnerable Women

Originally published at newsroom.hilton.com. Hilton ranked No. 2 on The Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2020.

 

Barcelona-based charity LligamDona is launching a pioneering project to provide a comprehensive support program to vulnerable women and their children in the local community.

The program, funded by the Hilton Effect Foundation, will provide end-to-end support to some of the community’s most vulnerable women. As well as providing safe housing, it will include specialist training and support delivered by partner organizations. The program seeks to ensure that every participant builds the confidence and skills they need to live independently, and each will graduate from the program with a job offer.

The initial phase of the program will last for two years and will support 10 women. Participants will be matched with specially selected partner organizations, identified based on their ability to support each woman’s individual situation and requirements.

Marisa Cabellos, president of LligamDona said: “Throughout 2020, LligamDona helped dozens of vulnerable individuals – many of whom had been subjected to violence and have lost confidence in their ability to live independently – to get back on their feet through practical support, skills workshops and training, and emotional support. Thanks to the support of the Hilton Effect Foundation, for the first time, we will be able to provide a holistic program that ensures these women leave our care with a job, as well as increased confidence and resilience.”

Last October, the Hilton Effect Foundation announced LligamDona as one of its grantees, jumpstarting the development of the new program. Hilton Effect Grants were awarded to 23 organizations across the globe in 2020, aiming to address some of the most urgent humanitarian needs arising from the pandemic including economic security, sanitation/hygiene, food security and clean air and water. LligamDona is the first Spanish organization to receive one of the grants, valued at $30,000.

Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona has been working to support LligamDona’s mission for a number of years. Last year, the hotel arranged a roundtable event in association with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to raise awareness of the growing issue of physical and mental abuse against women. Meritxell Vegué, Technical Director, LligamDona, spoke at the event to highlight the organization’s work. The hotel also helped the organization to redecorate a safe house for women and their children escaping violence.

“Hilton is committed to having a positive impact on the communities in which we operate. LligamDona’s work within the local community in Barcelona has become even more critical since the Covid-19 pandemic, which has caused a spike in violence against women, with helpline call volumes increasing 75% during lockdown. The Hilton Effect Grant will help ensure LligamDona can expand its valuable services, ultimately helping more women and their children to rebuild their lives. We’re looking forward to working together to bring this project to life,” said Joachim Hartl, area general manager Iberian Peninsula, Hilton.

For more information on the partnership and its impact, watch this video.