MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey has announced the award of 11 grants totaling more than $460,000 to support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes across Alabama, with a portion of the funding directly benefiting Calhoun County.
The grants, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) using funds from the U.S. Department of Justice, are aimed at providing shelter, advocacy, legal guidance and training for professionals responding to these cases.
“Victims of these terrible crimes deserve safe shelter and guidance as they seek justice and rebuild their lives,” Ivey said. “The organizations and governments funded by these grants have a proven track record of service for victims.”
Among the funded agencies, the Calhoun County Commission received $40,000 to provide services for victims in Calhoun and Cleburne counties. The funding will support personal advocacy, assistance navigating the justice system and help filing compensation claims for individuals impacted by domestic violence.
Additionally, 2nd Chance Inc. was awarded $20,110 to provide shelter and supportive services for domestic violence victims in Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah and Talladega counties, further expanding regional resources available to local residents.
The remaining grants were distributed to agencies across Alabama, each focusing on victim assistance, prevention and education:
- Crisis Services of North Alabama — $65,110 for services to adult sexual assault victims and training for law enforcement and forensic nurses in multiple North Alabama counties.
- Lawrence County Commission — $62,000 to support its Domestic Violence Unit, including court guidance for victims.
- Domestic Violence Crisis Services — $20,110 to assist victims of assault, domestic violence and elder abuse in northeast Alabama.
- Safeplace Inc. — $36,110 for housing, outreach and intervention services.
- AshaKiran — $41,110 for education, awareness and referral services addressing domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
- Victim Services of Cullman (The Willow Path) — $10,110 for crisis response and recovery programs.
- Marshall County Commission — $49,710 to support prosecution and victim coordination efforts.
- Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office — $59,710 for the One Place of the Shoals Family Justice Center.
- Marion County Commission — $57,710 for community education, prosecution and law enforcement training.
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said the agency supports programs that assist victims from the initial response through prosecution.
“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these programs offering professional assistance to victims every step of the way,” Boswell said.
In a separate announcement, Gov. Ivey also awarded three additional grants totaling more than $240,000 to enhance law enforcement training and victim assistance efforts in domestic violence cases statewide.
“These funds will support victims from the initial investigations to prosecution and restitution,” Ivey said.
Recipients of those grants include:
- Office of Prosecution Services — $148,786 to provide statewide assistance within Alabama’s criminal and civil justice systems for domestic violence victims.
- Etowah County Commission — $53,065 to support its sheriff’s office Domestic Violence Unit in investigating domestic violence and sexual assault cases.
- Chilton County Commission — $40,000 to train deputies, establish a victim assistance database and expand victim services.
Boswell added that the funding will help strengthen public safety and support the pursuit of justice for victims.
“The programs funded by these grants will help keep communities safe and support the pursuit of justice,” he said.
