MONTGOMERY— Gov. Bob Riley has awarded six grants to reduce drug crime and help victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault in a seven-county region of northwest Alabama.
“This funding will remove criminals from our neighborhoods and help ensure that crime victims continue to receive the professional assistance they need,” said Riley.
A $475,000 economic stimulus grant will help continue the efforts of a drug task force in Tuscaloosa County. Another drug task force that operates in Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties is receiving a $265,000 economic stimulus grant to support its operations. Both task forces investigate, arrest and prosecute drug offenders and dismantle dangerous methamphetamine labs.
The West Alabama Children’s Advocacy Center will use a $40,717 grant to continue serving child victims of physical and sexual abuse. The center offers counseling, court advocacy and medical exams by specially-trained nurses. The center, located in Vernon, serves victims in Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties.
A $90,534 grant to the Family Resource Center of Northwest Alabama in Jasper will help continue services for victims of domestic violence in Walker County. The center provides safe shelter, counseling and other support services year-round.
Tuscaloosa-based Turning Point is receiving a $171,859 grant to continue serving victims of domestic violence in Bibb, Fayette, Hale, Lamar, Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties. An additional economic stimulus grant of $20,000 will help the organization retain staff. The center offers safe shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, counseling and court advocacy.
The nonprofit organizations depend on local, private donations as well as grants to cover the cost providing free services to victims.
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. A portion of the funding was made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
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Contact: Josh Carples; Larry Childers