MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey has awarded more than $2.7 million to help reduce sexual assault in Alabama and assist victims.
The 13 grants covering all 67 Alabama counties will ensure victims can receive medical attention, counseling and support. Agencies receiving funds also assist law enforcement agencies in pursuing and prosecuting offenders.
“Sexual assault is a hideous and inexcusable crime that even with medical help and counseling can leave long-lasting emotional scars,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “I commend these agencies for reaching out and providing care and compassion to help victims in their critical time of need.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in her support of these agencies that are there at all times to provide comfort and understanding for victims, and we fully endorse the governor’s tenacity in seeing that offenders are prosecuted,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Local agencies awarded funds and their coverage areas are:
Family Services of North Alabama (Guntersville) – $146,115 to provide services in DeKalb and Marshall counties.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey has awarded $1.7 million in grants to help low-income Alabama residents achieve economic self-sufficiency.
The Community Services Block Grants will be distributed to 18 community action agencies that serve families and individuals in counties throughout Alabama.
“Sometimes people need a helping hand to lift themselves up when they are going through hard times,” Gov. Ivey said. “These agencies provide emergency assistance for immediate needs but also help put people on a path toward lasting success. I am pleased to award these grants to support these worthwhile programs.”
The community action agencies will use the funds for a variety of programs, including ones that help people find employment, attain education, improve their budgeting skills and secure emergency funding for adequate housing, food and health services. The local agencies determine the assistance provided based on the needs of their service areas.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“The goal of these programs is to provide low-income residents with the tools they need to support themselves now and in the future,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is glad to join Gov. Ivey in supporting these agencies and the comprehensive services they provide.”
Below are the local agencies, grant amounts, counties served and contact information.
Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc.: $356,846 (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, St. Clair) 256-638-4430, caaneal.org.