MONTGOMERY— Gov. Bob Riley has awarded a $13,073 grant to help a Birmingham-based nonprofit organization maintain free professional assistance to domestic violence victims during the current economic climate.

The grant will help YWCA Central Alabama overcome recent funding cuts resulting in reduced staff hours. The reduced hours have diminished the number of victims the center can serve at its Jefferson County facility and satellite offices in Blount and St. Clair counties. The funding supplements two grants totaling $71,825 awarded by Riley last fall.

“Victims of domestic violence need access to compassionate, professional assistance,” Riley said. “I am pleased to support the efforts of the YWCA in providing the timely help that victims need.”

In addition to emergency shelter, YWCA offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling and support groups. Advocates are available to assist victims with their legal needs. 

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.

Riley notified Suzanne Durham, YWCA’s chief executive officer, that he had approved the grant. Matching funds of $3,268 will supplement the award.       

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Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers