MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $192,434 to help three north Alabama organizations continue offering programs to prevent abuse and domestic violence.
The grants will fund a variety of prevention and intervention services in Colbert, Cullman, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion, Marshall, DeKalb, Cherokee and Winston counties.
“Stopping domestic violence and abuse before it starts is the primary goal of these programs,” Ivey said. “I commend the work of the staff members and volunteers who are committed to preventing abuse and obtaining justice for victims when abuse unfortunately occurs.”
A $115,275 grant will enable SafePlace Inc. in Florence to implement the Peace and Harmony projects, which are intervention programs meant to help stop the cycle of abuse through weekly class meetings in Colbert, Lauderdale and Marion counties. Matching funds of $28,818 will supplement the grant.
Domestic Violence Crisis Services in Albertville will use a $56,663 grant to work with schools and colleges within Cherokee, DeKalb and Marshall counties to promote domestic violence awareness and anti-bullying classes. The program also reaches out to area residents through civic events and speaking engagements. Matching funds of $14,158 will supplement the grant.
A $20,526 grant to Victim Services of Cullman Inc. will assist in implementing the Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Education programs within Cullman County. The programs promote healthy relationships and aim to prevent violence through a batterer’s intervention program. Local matching funds of $5,131 will supplement the grant.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Justice Department.
“ADECA supports Gov. Ivey in helping these organizations serve domestic violence victims and working to prevent further abuse through education and intervention,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “We are hopeful that these partnerships will help reduce the amount of domestic violence cases in north Alabama.”
