Grants to aid crime victims awarded

WINSTON COUNTY - Governor Kay Ivey has awarded more than $2.4 million to ensure that victims of domestic violence and other abusive crimes can find safe housing and other essential elements to help them rebuild their lives.
The grants to the 11 nonprofit agencies will assist victims of domestic violence, elder abuse and neglect, human trafficking and hate crimes. Services provided by the agencies varies and ranges from providing shelter for victims, offering counseling and emotional support to legal assistance and victim compensation.
“These agencies are a godsend to victims of violence and provide immeasurable services to help so many in their recovery process,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend these agencies, their staff members and volunteers for being there when they are needed.”
Agencies that help crime victims in Winston and Marion Counties that have received grants are:

• Family Services Center - $76,496 to serve residents in Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties;
• AIDS Action Coalition of Huntsville - $66,683 to serve victims in Colbert, Cullman, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.  ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management and energy conservation.