MONTGOMERY— Two organizations will continue serving as beacons of hope for domestic violence and child abuse victims in southwest Alabama with the help of grants totaling more than $500,000 awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley.
Bentley awarded grants totaling $438,860 to help Baldwin Family Violence Shelter, commonly known as Lighthouse, assist domestic violence victims in Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties. With a $100,000 grant also awarded by Bentley, CARE House will assist child abuse victims in Baldwin County.
“The road to recovery can be long for those who have suffered from abuse, but professional assistance can go a long way in helping them take the first steps,” Bentley said. “I commend the staffs and volunteers of Lighthouse and CARE House for the compassionate care they provide to those needing assistance.”
Lighthouse offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, support groups and victims’ advocacy programs. Program staff members accompany victims to hospitals for medical exams and provide support to victims as they navigate the criminal justice system. The center also conducts education campaigns to increase awareness of its services and the traumatic effects of domestic violence.
CARE House assists child abuse victims and their families by providing professional evaluations, counseling and advocates who prepare victims for court appearances.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.
“Those fleeing from abusive situations need and deserve a safe place to turn for free professional assistance,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “Through ADECA’s partnerships with CARE House and Lighthouse, we are helping to ensure that abuse survivors in the area will continue to have access to that kind of assistance.”
Bentley notified Jason Spry, president of Lighthouse’s board, and Brandi King, chair of CARE House’s board, that he had approved the grants.
In addition to grants, both organizations depend on private individual contributions to ensure a full range of assistance is available to victims.
Contact: Mike Presley or Jennifer Ardis