CALHOUN COUNTY, AL — Agencies serving Calhoun County are among 11 organizations statewide receiving nearly $2 million in grant funding awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey to support the investigation of child abuse cases and provide services that help victims recover from trauma.
“Nothing is more horrendous than a child being robbed of their youth and innocence,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am thankful for these agencies and the work they do to restore dignity and hope to those who have been abused.”
The Calhoun/Cleburne Children’s Center Inc., based in Anniston, was awarded $95,945. The center serves both Calhoun and Cleburne counties through a multidisciplinary team that investigates and assists in prosecuting child abuse cases, while also providing counseling and recovery services for victims.
The grant funding was made available through the U.S. Department of Justice and is being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these programs and the tireless, dedicated work of those associated with these agencies,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell.
In addition to victim services, ADECA administers programs that support law enforcement, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, and recreation across Alabama.
Other agencies receiving grant awards include:
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Cramer Children’s Center (Florence) — $345,790
Serving more than 400 children annually in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, and Lawrence counties. -
National Children’s Advocacy Center (Huntsville) — $439,442
Serving DeKalb, Jackson, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan counties. Founded in 1985, it was the first children’s advocacy center in the United States. -
Jackson County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc. (Scottsboro) — $84,657
Providing forensic interviews, therapy services, and advocacy for children in Jackson County. -
The Child Advocacy Center of Cherokee County (Centre) — $103,000
Founded in 1999 to support child victims while assisting with prosecution efforts. -
The Child Advocacy Center of Cullman County Inc. (Cullman) — $172,310
Offering comprehensive services for child victims and support during investigations and prosecutions. -
James M. Barrie Center for Children Inc. (Gadsden) — $191,185
Serving Etowah County since 2002 with medical, therapy, investigative, and legal services. -
Prescott House Child Advocacy Center (Birmingham) — $171,315
Providing emotional support, safety services, and advocacy in Birmingham and Jefferson County. -
Bessemer Cut-Off Child Advocacy Center Inc. (Bessemer) — $110,759
Supporting victims in west Jefferson County with advocacy and court accompaniment. -
Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc. (Columbiana) — $180,276
Offering counseling, family support, education, and advocacy services in Shelby County. -
The Tuscaloosa Children’s Center (Tuscaloosa) — $86,916
Assisting child victims and non-offending family members while helping gather evidence to prosecute offenders.
State officials said the grants are intended to strengthen coordinated responses to child abuse, improve investigative outcomes, and expand access to recovery services for victims and their families across Alabama.
