North Alabama organizations receive grants to assist domestic violence, sexual assault victims

MONTGOMERY – Several area organizations recently received state grants to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Gov. Kay Ivey awarded more than $900,000 in grants to four organizations that serve victims in 14 North Alabama counties, her office announced.

“These funds will enable organizations to provide a safe haven for victims fleeing dangerous situations and assistance for those who need to rebuild their lives,” Ivey said. “I commend these agencies for responding with care and compassion to the needs of people in dire situations.”

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

“These organizations do incredibly important work for victims of truly heinous crimes,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in her steadfast support of programs that provide professional care to victims in their time of need.”

Receiving grants are:

• One Place of the Shoals has received $43,257 to provide services including emergency shelter and crisis counseling to domestic violence victims in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.
• Domestic Violence Crisis Services will use its $143,119 grant for programs including a court advocate, community education and emergency shelter in Cherokee, DeKalb and Marshall counties.
• Crisis Services of North Alabama has received $589,464 to provide comprehensive services to victims in Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties.
• Family Services of North Alabama will use its $138,809 grant for services including forensic interviews and exams to victims of sexual assault in Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah and Marshall counties.

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