MONTGOMERY— Services designed to help domestic violence victims in Conecuh, Covington and Monroe counties are receiving a little extra support from a $13,172 economic stimulus grant awarded by Gov. Bob Riley.    

Opp-based Opportunity House will use the grant for emergency shelter and other services for victims and their children. The funding supplements two grants totaling $72,309 awarded by Riley last fall.

“We need to ensure that professional assistance remains available to domestic violence victims during these challenging economic times,” Riley said. “I commend the staff of the Opportunity House for offering compassionate assistance to victims.”

The organization offers a 24-hour crisis telephone line, individual and group counseling and transportation for victims. The shelter also develops case management plans for each adult resident and provides court advocates who prepare and support victims during legal proceedings.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama earlier this year.

Riley notified Nikki Harris, president of the organization’s board, that the grant had been approved. Matching funds of $3,293 will supplement the award.   

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Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers