MONTGOMERY – A $97,494 grant announced by Gov. Robert Bentley is helping establish a new facility to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission provided equipment, furnishings and supplies for One Place of the Shoals Inc., a collaborative effort of more than a dozen regional agencies to help victims in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties. The office is located in downtown Florence.
“I am pleased to see multiple agencies working together to help victims of domestic violence,” said Bentley. “This new facility is providing a more efficient place to help ensure that victims receive the care they need.”
The staff incorporates employees of partner agencies who investigate abuse cases and offer counseling, referrals, and other services. The new office operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but they are on call 24/7.
Bentley notified Lauderdale County District Attorney Christopher Connolly that the grant had been approved.
Congress established the ARC in 1965 as a supplemental grant program to raise the standard of living, improve the quality of life and promote economic development in portions of the 13 Appalachian mountain states. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including all six counties served by the new facility, are part of the ARC area.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, workforce development, energy conservation, economic development, water resource management and recreation.
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Contact: Josh Carples; Mike Presley