MONTGOMERY– Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded three grants totaling $272,927 for an organization that provides assistance specifically tailored to crime victims who are Hispanic in north and central Alabama.
The grants will help the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama serve Spanish-speaking crime victims, especially in cases of domestic violence and sexual assault. Funding also will help with domestic violence prevention education, legal services, counseling, court advocacy and other support services. The organization serves Blount, Cullman, DeKalb, Jefferson, Marshall and Shelby counties.
“Domestic violence and sexual assault are horrible crimes that affect all communities,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to see this organization take steps to help those who may not be aware of the resources and assistance available due to cultural or language barriers.”
Assistance for crime victims is part of the Strong Families Program, one of four programs that are part of the organization’s mission of social, civic and economic integration of Hispanic families in Alabama, according to www.hispanicinterest.org.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation.
“Through partnerships and grant programs, ADECA supports many organizations across our state that aid crime victims and their families,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr said. “Our partnership with the Hispanic Interest Coalition is a way to reach victims who may have cultural or language barriers and provide them with access to important services.”
Along with grants, nonprofit organizations rely on local, private donations to ensure their services remain available to victims.
Bentley notified Carlos Aleman, the organization’s board chairman, that the grants had been approved.
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Contact: Josh Carples; Mike Presley