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ADECA

June 12, 2019
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Governor awards grants to help abuse victims in northeast Alabama
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MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $2.2 million to assist three non-profit organizations that help victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse in eight counties.

“Victims of sexual assault or child abuse deserve access to assistance and advocacy tailored specifically for them,” Ivey said. “I commend these three organizations for helping victims and their families through one of the worst times of their lives.”

Second Chance will use a $1.3 million grant to continue providing safe shelter, support groups and other services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Etowah, Randolph and Talladega counties. Local matching funds of $333,978 will supplement the grant.

The DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center will use $480,175 in grant funds to continue assisting child abuse victims in DeKalb and Jackson counties. Services include forensic interviews, therapy for child victims, supervised visitation, support for caregivers and victim service awareness presentations within local communities. Matching funds of $120,043 will supplement the grant.

The James M. Barrie Center for Children will use a $452,596 grant to continue its work to coordinate investigations of child abuse as well as helping children who witness violent crimes or domestic violence in Etowah County. The center provides specially trained interviewers speak to children about the abuse in a child-friendly environment. The interviews are used by multiple agencies in an investigation to limit the number of times a child victim must talk about details of the abuse. The center also offers therapy, advocacy services, resources and support to victims and family members. Center staff members also conduct community outreach and education programs about child abuse awareness and direct services to victims. Local matching funds of $113,149 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.

“ADECA shares Gov. Ivey’s desire to help all abuse and assault victims,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA’s partnerships with these three organizations helps to ensure those needed services are available to victims and their families in northeast Alabama.” 

Ivey notified Angela Kemp, Second Chance board president; Dana Grimes, DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center board president; and Glen Williams, James M. Barrie Center for Children board president, that the grants had been approved.

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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley


For more information, visit:  http://www.adeca.alabama.gov/