Ivey awards grants to agencies that serve domestic violence victims in North Alabama

MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded eight grants totaling just over $320,000 to agencies that provide services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims in 14 North Alabama counties.

“The organizations funded by these grants offer lifelines to people in crisis and help bring perpetrators to justice,” Ivey said. “I commend these professionals for the work they do on behalf of the victims of these heinous crimes.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants with funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“These agencies provide critical services to serve victims,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of those dedicated to helping victims in search of shelter, justice and recovery.”

Below are the agencies receiving grants.

• Lawrence County Commission — $62,000 for the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Unit to provide personal assistance to victims of domestic violence in Lawrence County and help them navigate the judicial system.
• Marshall County Commission — $51,567 to provide prosecutors for domestic violence cases, coordinate assistance from victim service providers and offer referrals to additional community assistance for victims of domestic violence in Marshall County.
• Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office — $61,217 for the One Place of the Shoals Family Justice Center to provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and elder abuse. The center serves Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.
• Safeplace Inc. — $36,110 for services including a 24-hour help line, outreach, public awareness and violence intervention for victims of domestic violence in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.
• Domestic Violence Crisis Services — $20,110 to fund community education, outreach, court advocacy and shelter for domestic violence victims in Cherokee, Dekalb and Marshall counties
• Victim Services of Cullman Inc. – $10,110 to support crisis response and recovery programs for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence in Cullman County.
• Mental Health Association in Morgan County — $15,110 to provide support and assistance to victims of sexual assault in Lawrence and Morgan counties.
• Crisis Services of North Alabama Inc. — $65,110 to offer volunteer services, sexual assault response and trauma counseling to sexual assault victims in Cullman, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Morgan and Winston counties. Services also include training for law enforcement and forensic nurses.

ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.