North Alabama agencies awarded grants to help children overcome abuse

MONTGOMERY — Nonprofit agencies in more than a dozen North Alabama counties will be able to better provide services for abused and exploited children, thanks to grants through the U.S. Department of Justice.

The grants are part of some $2.2 million awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey to 22 counties across the state (including 14 in North Alabama) to assist victims of child abuse.

“Children deserve to be raised in safe and protective environments, free from the fear of abuse and torment,” Ivey said. “I commend these agencies for being there for these children and helping them overcome terrible ordeals.”

Ivey awarded the grants from funds supplied to the state through the U.S. Department of Justice. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the awards.

“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these agencies that help children recover from the horrors of abuse,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

Receiving grants are:

• Athens-Limestone Children’s Advocacy Center Inc. (Athens) – $184,208 to provide services to child victims in Limestone County.
• The National Children’s Advocacy Center (Huntsville) – $488,268 to provide services in DeKalb, Jackson, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties.
• Jackson County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc. (Scottsboro)- $94,063 to assist child victims in Jackson County.
• DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center (Fort Payne) – $176,687 to provide services to child victims in DeKalb County.
• The Children’s Advocacy Center of Cherokee County – $114,445 to aid child victims in Cherokee County.
• The Child Advocacy Center of Marshall County (Guntersville) – $117,580 to provide services to child victims in Marshall County.
• Child Advocacy Center of Winston County (Addie’s Place) (Double Springs) – $92,378 to aid child victims in Winston and Marion counties.
• The Child Advocacy Center of Cullman Inc. (City of Cullman) – $191,456 to provide emotional support and safety services, courtroom assistance and financial guidance for child victims in Cullman County.
• James M. Barrie Center for Children Inc. (Gadsden) – $212,428 to provide services to child victims in Etowah County.