MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $605,113 to help two non-profit organizations in northeast Alabama to continue providing services to victims of child abuse and domestic violence.
The grants will fund a variety of services to assist victims in Marshall, DeKalb and Cherokee counties.
“Child abuse and domestic violence victims deserve access to professional assistance that can help them find safety from their abusers and navigate the criminal justice process,” Ivey said. “I commend the work of the staff members and volunteers of these organizations who are dedicated to helping every victim.”
A $355,070 grant will enable Domestic Violence Crisis Services in Albertville to continue providing emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line and a court advocacy program for domestic violence victims in Marshall, DeKalb and Cherokee counties. The organization also operates a school-based violence prevention program. Matching funds of $88,767 will supplement the grant.
The Child Advocacy Center of Marshall County will use a $250,043 grant to continue assisting child abuse victims and their family members throughout the investigative and judicial process. The center coordinates with the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement agencies and community agencies during child-abuse investigations to ensure the needs of victims are met. Matching funds of $62,510 will supplement the grant.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Justice Department.
“ADECA supports Gov. Ivey in helping these organizations serve domestic violence and child abuse victims during a very trying time,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “This partnership helps ensure that abuse victims continue to have access to vital professional assistance.”
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
Ivey notified Myron Gargis, president of Child Advocacy Center of Marshall County’s board of directors, and Tara Wilson, president of Domestic Violence Crisis Services, that the grants had been approved.
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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley