MONTGOMERY— Governor Robert Bentley has awarded grants totaling $1.4 million to assist domestic violence victims in six northwest Alabama counties.
The Florence-based nonprofit organization offers a range of services including a 40-bed emergency shelter, crisis line, counseling and prevention and education programs. Safeplace serves victims in Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties.
“Free professional assistance like that available at Safeplace helps victims take the first steps to overcome abusive situations,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to support the vital services that this organization provides for victims in need.”
Through the Rural Services Project, staff members travel to assist victims and connect them with the safe shelter and counseling offered by the nonprofit organization. The center also provides a liaison who speaks Spanish to help victims among the area’s Hispanic population.
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. Justice Department and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.
“ADECA’s partnership with Safeplace and likeminded organizations throughout the state ensures that those victimized by abuse will have a safe place to turn in their time of need,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said.
Bentley notified John Conn, president of the center’s board, that the grants had been approved.
Safeplace also depends on individual, private donations to continue providing a full range of free professional assistance. Go to www.nwalsafeplace.org for more information about the center.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
