MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $282,670 grant to support a nonprofit agency that assists victims of abuse in six northwest Alabama counties.
The grant will help One Place of the Shoals provide free professional assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties. The organization provides counseling, court accompaniment, legal advocacy and assistance with filing protection from abuse orders. A portion of the grant supports travel so staff can provide direct services to victims in their community.
"By providing an array of support services at one centralized location, One Place is a valuable asset to victims of these horrible crimes as they begin the recovery process," Gov. Ivey said. “I commend the staff and volunteers of the organization for their commitment to helping victims through these hardships.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Gov. Ivey is a strong advocate for those who have become victims of abuse and need access to professional services,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA stands with the governor in commending One Place for the services they provide to those in need in their communities."
Along with grant funding, the nonprofit organization relies on local, private donations to ensure services remain available year-round.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victims services, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
Gov. Ivey notified Chris Connolly, One Place’s board president, that the grant had been approved.
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Contact: Josh Carples; Mike Presley