MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $150,000 grant to the Wiregrass Angel House in Dothan to assist victims of violent crimes in southeast Alabama.
The nonprofit organization will use funds to continue providing services including trauma counseling, crime scene cleanup, crisis intervention and a 24-hour crisis line.
“Victims of violent crimes can find themselves in need of assistance in navigating an often complex criminal justice process,” Bentley said. “I commend Wiregrass Angel House for offering a helping hand to those who are suffering from the aftermath of a violent crime.”
The center also assists victims of robbery and family members who have lost a loved one to homicide with filing for compensation. All services are provided free of charge to victims in Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Barbour, Bullock, Henry, Pike and Houston counties.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
“ADECA’s partnership with Wiregrass Angel House demonstrates the importance of state and local agencies working together to help residents in need,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “The organization’s commitment to those who have unfortunately become a victim or lost a family member to violent crime is a testament its impact throughout the Wiregrass.”
Bentley notified Gary Maxwell, Angel House’s board president, that the grant had been approved. Matching funds of $37,500 are supplementing the grant. Crime victims and family members may contact Angel House directly for assistance at (334) 702-7010.
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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley