DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $415,000 in grants to three South Alabama organizations that support victims of domestic violence — including a significant award to The House of Ruth, which serves the Wiregrass region.
The House of Ruth, based in DOTHAN and serving nine counties across southeast Alabama, received $131,000 to continue providing vital services such as personal advocacy, emotional support, and assistance navigating both the criminal and civil justice systems. The funding will directly benefit victims in Houston, Henry, Dale, Geneva, Coffee, Pike, Covington, Barbour, and Bullock counties.
“These grants will help community-based nonprofits continue to provide a safe haven and compassionate care to people in times of danger and distress,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend these groups for the important work they do to provide professional assistance to domestic violence victims in their time of greatest need.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is overseeing the grants using federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell emphasized the broader impact of these programs. “The services funded by these grants benefit not only domestic violence victims but also their families and the greater community,” he said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these organizations’ efforts to prevent and respond to family violence.”
Other grant awards include:
• The Lighthouse (Baldwin Family Violence Shelter) – $118,000 for shelter services, crisis response, and case management in Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia, and Monroe counties.
• Penelope House – $166,000 to support prevention and awareness programs across Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington counties.
For the Wiregrass, the funding reinforces a critical safety net. The House of Ruth remains the primary domestic violence service provider for the region, offering shelter, crisis support, court advocacy, and outreach programs for thousands of local survivors every year.
