Victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in twenty-nine counties throughout Alabama will soon have access to more support services thanks to nearly $1.76 million in funding recently awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey. The additional support has been made possible by the U.S. Department of Justice and will go to seven agencies and one major university.
“These agencies ensure that victims of domestic violence and sexual assault have a place to turn for help when they need it most,” Ivey said. “I commend the dedicated staff members of these nonprofits for helping people at their most vulnerable times.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the awards.
“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these agencies that provide needed services to victims,” stated ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell.
The awarded grants are:
SafeHouse of Shelby County Inc. – $208,022. The Pelham-based agency supplies multiple services to sexual assault adult and child victims in Chilton, Clay, Coosa, and Shelby counties including shelter, judicial assistance, and compensation claims.
YWCA Central Alabama – $575,459. Based in Birmingham, YWCA provides shelter and support services and more for sexual assault and neglect victims in Blount, Jefferson, and St. Clair counties.
University of Alabama – $245,474. The university provides advocacy and emotional support, judicial assistance, and more for UA students and other adult and child sexual assault victims in Tuscaloosa County.
SAN Inc. (Turning Point) – $36,744. The Tuscaloosa-based agency provides emotional support, advocacy, and more services to sexual assault victims in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa counties.
Domestic Violence Intervention Center – $166,025. The Opelika-based agency offers emotional support, judicial assistance, and other services to victims of domestic and family violence in Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph, and Tallapoosa counties.
Rape Counselors of East Alabama – $124,112. Based in Auburn, the agency provides emotional support, judicial assistance, and other services to adult and child sexual assault victims in Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell, and Tallapoosa counties.
Baldwin Family Violence Shelter (The Lighthouse) – $224,178. The agency provides shelter, advocacy services, emotional support, and more for victims in Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia, and Monroe counties.
Family Counseling Center of Mobile Inc. – $178,819. The agency serves Clarke, Mobile, and Washington counties by providing advocacy, judicial assistance, and related services to adult and child sexual assault victims.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
