El Refugio, Inc. is submitting a nomination for the PEACEMAKERS AWARD for your consideration. We are nominating from our area Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold for this award. Their mission/giving statement exemplifies their leadership, commitment and partnership towards addressing domestic violence in our area as well as other communities in which they are located: Across its mining operations, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold focuses on working with the communities in which it operates to develop partnerships with community organizations, fund projects designed to address priority needs and contribute to the sustainability of each community. Please consider the following:

Since 2002, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation has invested close to $2 million in domestic violence shelters in communities where they operate as part of their Domestic Violence Shelter Initiative. Their view is that it is a privilege to support domestic violence shelters and service providers that provide safety, independence and new lives free of violence to thousands of clients each year. For 2011, the 10th anniversary of the Shelter Initiative, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation is adding a new grant opportunity called the Women's Empowerment Grants focused on providing funds for specific programs that support or provide women with opportunities to improve their lives and develop their potential exclusively for domestic violence shelters. After 2011, this grant will also be made available to other organizations who offer programs that provide opportunities for women.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold's strong history in funding exclusively domestic violence shelters and their services wherever they have a presence, reflects their value of promoting safer, healthier lives for victims of family violence which in turn creates safer, more productive and sustainable communities. El Refugio, Inc. has been a recipient of the foundation support for 10 years, which has been vital for operational funding as well as support for the area's Coordinated Community Response request for training from the Gender Violence Institute under the Community Enhancement Fund for two years in a row. Clearly, in the community they call home, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold is an authentic Peacemaker.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Contact person: Mr. Tony Trujillo- 575-538-1867 cell