The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) on Wednesday announced that Gov. Kay Ivey had awarded $3.8 million in grants to support organizations that assist victims of crime across the state.
According to ADECA, the funding will be utilized toward enabling nonprofit agencies to provide numerous services to individuals who have been victims of sexual assault, elder abuse, sex trafficking, domestic violence and other crime.
Ivey stated her administration’s support of crime victims and advised that the grants would assist individuals in seeking justice.
“Those who have unfortunately been victimized need professional help as they escape abusive situations and begin navigating the criminal justice system,” said Ivey. “I am pleased to support these organizations as they work to help victims find the assistance they need on their road to recovery.”
The grants, which will be administered by ADECA, were made available by funding from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
ADECA director Kenneth Boswell proclaimed his department’s support of Ivey’s grant awarding.
“ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey as she continues to support the work of these organizations that help victims of crime every day in Alabama,” declared Boswell. “Through ADECA’s partnerships with these organizations, victims will have the help they need to begin rebuilding their lives.”
The awarded grants are as follows:
- $2.5 million to the Office of Prosecution Services to provide victim services officers who assist victims navigate their cases through the criminal justice system. Funds will also be allocated for the continuation of utilizing certified facility dog handlers to assist victims with anxiety as they near testimony.
- $177,609 to Victims of Crime and Leniency to provide advocacy, justice system assistance, referrals, and assistance with filing compensation claims to victims and families of victims of robbery and homicide.
- $600,787 to The WellHouse to provide shelter and housing services and assistance with filing compensation claims to victims of sex trafficking.
- $22,500 to One Place Family Justice Center to provide services such as advocacy, justice system assistance, referrals and assistance with compensation claims to victims of elder abuse and human trafficking. The organization serves Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery Counties.
- $282,248 to Penelope House Inc. to provide justice system assistance, referrals and assistance with compensation claims to victims of domestic or family violence. The organization serves Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile and Washington Counties.
- $138,380 to Family Counseling Center of Mobile Inc. to provide advocacy, shelter and housing services, justice system assistance, referrals and assistance with compensation claims to victims of elder abuse, identity theft, financial crimes, homicide and violent crime.
- $145,000 to Birmingham AIDS Outreach Inc. to provide referrals, emotional or safety services and assistance with compensation claims. The organization serves Blount, Cullman, Jefferson, Madison, St. Clair, Shelby, Tuscaloosa and Walker Counties.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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