MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a total of $43,792 to assist three east Alabama non-profit agencies that provide services to victims of domestic violence.
The grants will support programs offered by the Domestic Violence Intervention Center in Opelika, Rape Counselors of East Alabama in Auburn and the Crisis Center of Russell County in Phenix City. Together the agencies provide services in six Alabama counties.
“Victims of domestic and sexual violence need somewhere to turn and trust,” Ivey said. “These three agencies are staffed with understanding and compassionate people that help victims through their terrible ordeals.”
Ivey awarded the following grants:
Domestic Violence Intervention Center ($20,799) - The Opelika-based agency provide services to victims in Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties. Those services include emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis telephone line, support groups, court advocacy and referrals to other assisting agencies.
Rape Counselors of East Alabama ($14,389) - The Auburn-based agency provides services to victims of sexual abuse and their families in Chambers, Lee, Macon and Tallapoosa counties. Services include 24-hour availability, hospital accompaniment and legal assistance. Staff and volunteers are also available to answer questions.
Crisis Center of Russell County ($8,604) – Based in Phenix City, the agency serves Russell County offering victims emergency shelter for victims and non-offending family members, counseling and assistance in helping victims seeking permanent escape from violent situations.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice. Each agency also relies heavily on locally generated contributions.
“Gov. Ivey and ADECA are committed to working with these agencies to help victims overcome abusive situations,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “This assistance will help ensure that a range of services remains available for victims.”
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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