MONTGOMERY— Governor Robert Bentley has awarded $437,231 in grants to a nonprofit agency that provides aid specifically tailored to the needs of domestic violence victims whose families originate from south Asia.
The funds will enable AshaKiran Inc. to continue operating a 24-hour crisis line, provide training for staff and volunteers and assist in the continued operation of emergency shelters for victims in Jefferson and Madison counties. AshaKiran serves immigrants from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Volunteers formed the organization to offer culturally specific social services and support to South Asian ethnic minorities who, according to organization officials, tend not to utilize social services due to cultural and language barriers.
“All domestic violence victims deserve caring and professional assistance when escaping abusive situations,” Bentley said. “I commend the staff and volunteers of AshaKiran for their efforts to make culturally sensitive resources available to women who may not traditionally utilize social services due to cultural and/or language barriers.”
Robert Bentley
Funds also will help the organization expand its culturally specific services by offering community outreach events and provide training to help shelters in Jefferson, Madison, Mobile and Montgomery counties address language and cultural issues that are sometimes a barrier to serving victims.
The agency also is one of 17 domestic violence centers in the state to receive additional funding through the state’s Domestic Violence Trust Fund. The fund, created through the state marriage license fee, is distributed quarterly to the agencies and is used to provide shelter for victims and to conduct educational and prevention programs.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, water resource management, job training and career development.
“The services provided at emergency shelters are a vital part of the recovery process for those who have suffered domestic abuse,” ADECA Director
Jim Byard Jr.
Jr said. “Our partnership with AshaKiran is a way to reach victims who may have cultural or language barriers and provide them with access to these important services.”
Bentley notified Mohammed Miran, AshaKiran Inc. board chairman, that he had approved the grants. Matching funds of $30,602 will supplement the grants.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
