MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $203,000 to assist victims of domestic violence in southwest Alabama while also helping to increase awareness of the problem.
The funds are being provided to nonprofit agencies that offer services for victims and provide educational programs to curtail abuse.
“Domestic violence is a crime that no one should have to suffer, and access to professional assistance is vital to recovery,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am thankful for these agencies that step in and provide help for victims and their families who have had to endure abuse and hardships that many of us cannot imagine.”
Gov. Ivey awarded the following grants:
Penelope House Inc. ($99,360) – The Mobile-based agency will use the funds to provide community outreach and school education programs in Mobile, Washington, Clarke and Choctaw counties. Gov. Ivey previously awarded funds to Penelope House to support the agency’s shelter, crisis hotline and related services.
Family Counseling Center of Mobile Inc. ($42,419)- The center will use the award to provide counseling services and education in Mobile, Clarke and Washington counties.
Baldwin Family Violence Center ($61,482) – Servicing Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties, the agency provides safe shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, prevention services and community education through its Lighthouse Domestic Violence Program.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While the grants provide an important resource to the service agencies, they still rely heavily on locally generated donations to operate.
“Gov. Ivey and ADECA are committed to helping victims of domestic violence and bringing awareness of the devastation it causes individuals and families,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
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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