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ADECA

August 6, 2019
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Gov. Ivey awards grant to aid victims of sex trafficking
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MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $1 million to help victims of sex trafficking find safe shelter and receive the needed guidance to restore their lives.

The WellHouse will use the funds to provide a safe residential haven for women who have been sexually exploited through human trafficking and are seeking help. The nonprofit agency based near Birmingham provides multiple services to help women escape trafficking situations.

“Many women, no matter their background or upbringing, can become trapped in illicit sex trafficking,” Gov. Ivey said. “It important that our state supports efforts that help liberate these women caught in that unfortunate circumstance. I am proud to aid programs that help those women.”

The agency provides a five-step recovery process that helps deliver women from being sexually exploited victims to becoming independent survivors. The WellHouse has a 24-hour availability and works with law enforcement agencies and other agencies to help women escape sex trafficking and obtain needed physical and mental health care, education and job skills and legal advocacy.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Gov. Ivey and ADECA are committed to helping women escape the chains of human trafficking and receive the services and guidance they require to recover and regain their dignity,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

Ivey notified Al Worthington, The WellHouse board president, that the grant had been approved. The WellHouse also relies on private contributions to ensure that victims receive a full range of services.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.

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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley


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