MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $39,802 grant to assist victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault in nine west Alabama counties.
The grant, awarded to SAN Inc. dba Turning Point, will help provide services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties. The funds will support a full-time court advocate which will allow Turning Point to continue providing free advocacy, assistance, information and referral to victims.
“Domestic abuse and sexual assault hurts families and our communities,” Bentley said. “Thanks to many great nonprofits across Alabama, there is help available. I thank Turning Point for supporting victims, and I am pleased to support their continued efforts with this grant.”
Turning Point also has a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, individual counseling and support groups for victims, court advocacy, child advocacy, community education and outreach.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department and the Violence Against Women Act.
“ADECA partners with many different organizations that provide important services to our citizens,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “Victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault have resources in place to help with recovery. I am proud of the partnership ADECA has with Turning Point to ensure that citizens have resources in place to help move forward after devastating crimes.”
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
Bentley notified Laura Clark, president of the organization’s board, that the grant had been approved.
Contact: Jennifer Ardis Elmore