MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $402,018 to assist two organizations in their continued efforts to aid child abuse victims in six counties.
The Tuscaloosa Children’s Center will use a $257,018 grant to continue providing counseling, referrals, specialized investigative interviews, preparation for court proceedings, forensic medical exams and therapy to victims in Greene, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties. Matching funds of $64,254 will supplement the grant.
The West Alabama Children’s Advocacy Center will use a $145,000 grant to continue assisting victims in Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties. The center provides advocacy, counseling and other direct services to victims. Matching funds of $36,250 will supplement the grant.
“Young abuse victims have specialized needs that require specific kinds of assistance and advocacy,” Ivey said. “I commend these two west Alabama organizations for their commitment to helping victims and their families recover from some of the most awful events imaginable.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants 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, water resource management, job training and career development.
“ADECA shares Gov. Ivey’s commitment to helping abuse victims begin to heal and helping them navigate the complexities of the court system,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Our partnerships with these organizations helps to ensure that assistance is always available to child abuse survivors in these areas.”
Ivey notified John Mize, Tuscaloosa Children’s Center board president, and Martha Washington, West Alabama Children’s Advocacy Center board president, that the grants had been approved.
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