MONTGOMERY— Gov. Bob Riley has awarded grants totaling $90,496 to ensure that victims of abuse in Blount, Cullman and Marshall counties continue to have access to free, professional assistance during the current economic downturn.

The grants, including $52,399 in economic stimulus funding, will help four nonprofit organizations overcome recent reductions in donations and maintain the staffing levels needed to provide adequate help to victims.

“The safe shelter and professional assistance provided by these organizations should be accessible to every victim of abuse,” Riley said. “These groups depend heavily upon individual contributions so I urge area residents to be generous in their support.”

A $38,097 grant will help Victim Services of Cullman cover the costs of providing safe shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, support groups and other services to domestic violence victims in Cullman County. An additional $7,803 economic stimulus grant will help the organization retain workers to assist victims at the shelter.

The Child Advocacy Center of Cullman is receiving an $18,886 economic stimulus grant to retain current staff so victim services remain uninterrupted. The center assists in child abuse investigations in Cullman County and provides counseling and other services to victims and their families.

With the help of a $16,998 economic stimulus grant, the Child Advocacy Center of Marshall County will employ a therapist to help victims and their families. In 2008, the organization conducted 91 interviews to be used in abuse investigations and provided 730 counseling sessions to 134 children.

The Blount County Children’s Center will use an $8,712 economic stimulus grant to cover a portion of staff salaries to maintain complete services to victims in the county. The center offers counseling and assists in abuse investigations.

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

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Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers