MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $378,605 grant to assist a non-profit organization that helps children in Walker and Marion counties who are victims of abuse or who have witnessed violence.
The Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center will use the grant funds to continue providing forensic interviews, therapy and advocacy to victims of sexual or physical abuse and their families at no cost.
“Victims of these horrible crimes should have access to help specifically tailored to fit their needs,” Ivey said. “I commend the staff members and volunteers of the Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center for all they do to help abused children and their families.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant 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 young victims of abuse,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA’s partnership with the Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center helps to ensure necessary services are available to victims and their families in Marion and Walker counties.”
Ivey notified William Adair Jr., Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center board president, that the grant had been approved. Local matching funds of $77,553 will supplement the grant.
--30--
Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley