MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $564,073 to help two nonprofit organizations continue assisting child abuse victims in Blount and Jefferson counties.
The grants will fund a variety of services to help young victims.
“Children who have suffered abuse deserve access to professional, personal assistance that provides safety from their abusers and helps them begin the healing process,” Ivey said. “I commend the staff members and volunteers of both organizations who have dedicated themselves to helping these children in their time of need.”
With a $421,933 grant, Prescott House Child Advocacy Center in Birmingham will work to minimize trauma and promote healing for child victims by using trained counselors to conduct forensic interviews in a child-friendly environment and by offering therapy sessions for victims. The center also provides a program to guide and educate victims and their families as they navigate the criminal justice system. Matching funds of $105,483 will supplement the grant.
The Blount County Children’s Center will use a $142,140 grant to continue providing specialized, trauma-focused therapy to child abuse victims. The center also provides forensic interviews and advocacy. Matching funds of $35,535 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 stands with Gov. Ivey in her commitment to helping these organizations and others like them provide specific services to child abuse victims,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Partnering with these organizations helps bring vital services to victims who are most in need of care and 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 David Barber, Prescott House board president, and Alethea Bailey, Blount County Children’s Center board chairman, that the grants had been approved.
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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley