MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $195,722 grant to a nonprofit organization that serves victims of sexual assault in nine west Alabama counties.
The grant to Tuscaloosa SAFE Center Inc. – “SAFE” is an acronym for sexual assault forensic exam – will enable the organization to continue assisting victims in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.
“Victims of these horrible crimes need access to assistance from caring professionals,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend the staff of Tuscaloosa SAFE Center for their work and dedication to victims in their coverage area.”
The organization provides medical and forensic examinations, medical and court advocacy, counseling and support services. Funding will also help with a campaign to raise awareness about sexual assault and the services provided by the center.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department.
“Gov. Ivey has shown strength and leadership in her dedication to ensuring that crime victims are able to get the assistance they need to begin recovery,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending Tuscaloosa SAFE Center for the important work they do.”
Along with grant funding, the organization relies on local, private donations to ensure that services remain available to victims at no charge year-round.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim services, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
Gov. Ivey notified Amanda Smith Fowler, the organization’s board chair, that the grant had been approved.
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Contact: Josh Carples; Mike Presley