MONTGOMERY— A nonprofit center that serves child abuse victims in Cullman County is receiving support from a $187,161 grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley.
The grant will help Brooks’ Place, the Child Advocacy Center of Cullman, continue offering free professional assistance to victims and their families. The center also coordinates a team of representatives from law enforcement agencies, the district attorney’s office and the state Department of Human Resources to investigate and prosecute claims of child abuse.
“Compassionate, professional assistance can go a long way in helping victims recover,” Bentley said. “I commend the staff of Brooks’ Place for assisting victims to begin the healing process.”
Counseling is available through the center and victim advocates help family members understand and navigate the criminal justice system.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.
“Child advocacy centers provide a one-stop, home-like setting that give children victimized by abuse access to a range of assistance tailored toward their needs,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “ADECA partners with Brooks’ Place and other centers across Alabama to help ensure this specialized assistance is always available.”
Bentley notified Holly Bussman, president of the center’s board, that he had approved the grant. Matching funds of $31,639 are supplementing the award.
In addition to grant funds, Brooks’ Place depends on individual, private donations to continue providing a full range of assistance. Go to www.caccullman.org for more information about the center.
Contact: Mike Presley or Jennifer Ardis