MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $191,069 grant to help a Troy-based nonprofit agency assist child abuse victims in four counties.
The grant will help the Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center to continue providing support services for victims and to assist in the investigation and prosecution of abusers. The center serves Barbour, Bullock, Coffee and Pike counties.
“There is never an excuse for someone to abuse a child, and such actions demand an effective response” Ivey said. “I commend the staff of the center for helping these young victims and for assisting law enforcement investigations of the crimes committed against these innocent children.”
The center provides counseling and medical exams by specially trained nurses in a child-friendly atmosphere. The staff also works with other agencies to help with the investigation and prosecution of child abuse.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.
“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting the work of the Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center and a network of similar centers to provide hope to children who become victims of abuse,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA’s partnership with the center ensures that survivors and their families have a safe place to turn for professional aid at a time they need it the most.”
Gov. Ivey notified Dr. Mark Bazzell, president of the center’s board, that the grant had been approved. Local matching funds of $40,396 will supplement the grant.
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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley