Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, also known as the Children’s Trust Fund, joined local and state leaders on February 18 to present $13.6 million in grant funding to various programs across the state. The check presentation took place at the Alabama State House in Montgomery, with numerous organizations, including the Skills Training Division at Gadsden State Community College, receiving support for their initiatives.
Gadsden State was awarded $164,000 to support its Empowering Families through Workforce Fatherhood Initiative. This program is designed to help participants, including those in the community and in area jails, work toward economic stability by providing job training and essential soft skills. Additionally, the initiative includes workshops focused on parenting and relationship skills to strengthen family bonds.
“These activities are designed to help parents become financially self-sufficient as well as foster the development of new, stronger relationships between parents and their children,” said Baisha Woody, director of the Skills Training Division. “It also encourages the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.”
The grant also allows for scholarships to be provided to eligible parents interested in participating in a job training program at Gadsden State.
“The Skills Training Division offers programs that can upgrade skills to develop better-trained employees,” Woody added. “It also serves as a good resource for entry-level hiring needs of local business and industry.”
Other grant recipients in Etowah County include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Alabama, the Etowah County Commission, the James M. Barrie Center for Children, and United Way’s Success By 6 initiative. These organizations play vital roles in providing support services aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect within the community.
The Children’s Trust Fund continues to be a key resource in strengthening families and communities by funding programs that promote education, stability, and support for vulnerable populations across Alabama.
