MONTGOMERY— Governor Robert Bentley has awarded a grant to an organization that helps Alabamians who are victims of drunken drivers.
The $27,678 grant will help Alabama Mothers Against Drunk Driving provide victim services including court accompaniment and assistance in filing for victims’ compensation. The organization’s Alabama office also helps those who have lost loved ones in crashes caused by alcohol-impaired drivers.
MADD provides guidance and support to victims throughout the criminal justice process. The organization operates a crisis hotline for victims, offers individual and group counseling and helps victims secure other needed services. The organization educates the public about the dangers of drinking and driving and works to prevent underage drinking. Presentations are conducted at schools, churches and other community meeting places.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to Alabama by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.
Bentley notified Karen Housewright of MADD that the grant had been approved. Matching funds of $6,919 will supplement the award.
