MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $1.58 million to assist three non-profit organizations that help sexual assault and child abuse victims in six counties.
“Victims, young and old, deserve access to assistance and advocacy tailored to their specific needs,” Ivey said. “I commend these organizations for helping victims and their families begin the healing process from the worst of events.”
The National Children’s Advocacy Center will use $1 million in grant funds to continue providing services including forensic interviews, trauma-focused and evidence-based mental health treatment, specialized medical exams, family advocacy and waiting room support. These services will help abused children and their non-offending family members to receive the care they need in DeKalb, Jackson, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties. Local matching funds of $176,495 will supplement the grant.
Family Services of North Alabama will use a $261,673 grant to continue assisting victims in DeKalb and Marshall counties. Through its North Alabama Sexual Assault Support Services Program, it provides direct services to victims of sexual assault such as a 24/7 crisis line and intervention, legal and medical advocacy and counseling and therapy by a contracted licensed therapist. Matching funds of $30,000 will supplement the grant.
The Children’s Advocacy of Center Cherokee County is using a $244,193 grant to continue providing services to child abuse victims and their families in Cherokee County. Victims will be interviewed by trained forensic interviewers in a child-friendly, home-like setting and will receive counseling, court preparation and accompaniment. Local matching funds of $61,048 will supplement the grant.
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.
“I share Gov. Ivey’s commitment to helping all abuse victims, child or adult,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA’s partnerships with these organizations will help those who’ve been victimized find and receive the specialized care they need.”
Ivey notified Chuck Jones, NCAC board president; Ed Ralston, Family Services of North Alabama board president; and Lynn Rochester, Children’s Advocacy Center of Cherokee County board president, that the grants had been approved.
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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley