MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $519,738 to support five organizations that assist domestic violence victims and provide education and programs to prevent abuse. Together, the organizations cover 25 Alabama counties with their services and assistance.
“Those who have unfortunately suffered from domestic violence deserve to receive timely assistance from professionals in their communities,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend these organizations for their work to prevent abuse and to help those who truly need it every day.”
2nd Chance is using $104,147 in grant funds to inform and educate public and private school students to help them spot signs of controlling behavior, establish healthy relationships and learn methods for preventing and/or escaping abusive relationships. Matching funds of $26,036 will supplement the grant. These funds will serve Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah and Talladega counties.
The House of Ruth is using funds of $80,000 to support two court advocates in Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties. They will assist domestic violence survivors at all stages, including support for misdemeanor criminal cases. They will also help with establishing civil cases in addition to criminal cases. Matching funds of $20,000 will supplement the grant.
AshaKiran is using $153,869 in grant funds to continue providing community-based and culturally sensitive crisis intervention programs. These programs will assist victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Jackson, Limestone and Madison counties. Matching funds of $50,487 will supplement the grant.
Safehouse of Shelby County is using a $63,000 grant to provide education, training and workshops for its staff and to provide educational sessions on spotting and preventing dating violence to middle school, high school and college students in Chilton, Clay, Coosa and Shelby counties. Matching funds of $15,750 will supplement the grant.
Montgomery Area Family Violence Program, better known as Family Sunshine Center, is using grant funds of $118,722 to increase community awareness of domestic violence through trainings and presentations to various groups in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties. Matching funds of $29,680 will supplement the grant.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in her dedication to assisting domestic violence victims across Alabama,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA’s partnerships with these and other organizations are helping ensure that those who find themselves in violent situations are able to find assistance in a timely manner.”
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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