MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a grant totaling $149,500 to a local nonprofit in north Alabama that helps the surviving families of homicide, including traffic crashes where someone was charged.
Family Services Center Inc. will use the funds to continue providing services to bereaved family and friends in need of practical intervention and support following the loss of a loved one. Services include grief counseling in one-on-one and group settings, education group sessions, advocacy, assistance navigating court and litigation situations and events to support families through difficult times of the year such as holidays.
The center provides assistance to families in Madison, Cullman, Morgan, Franklin, Lauderdale, Colbert, DeKalb, Lawrence, Winston, Jackson, Marion, Limestone and Marshall counties. Local matching funds of $28,000 will supplement the grant.
“Losing a loved one to homicide is an awful tragedy that can have devastating effects on families and those close to the victim. Those experiencing this ordeal deserve access to professional care and assistance,” Ivey said. “I commend the staff of the Family Services Center for the deeply meaningful work they do to help these families in need.”
The grant is being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim services, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
“I support Gov. Ivey in her efforts to help surviving family members who have lost a loved one to senseless acts,” Kenneth Boswell, ADECA director, said. “ADECA partners with many organizations like Family Services Center Inc. throughout the state to ensure no families are left to go through these moments alone.”
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