(WDNews) – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded five grants totaling $486,723 to organizations that provide services to child abuse victims across south Alabama, with a significant portion going to agencies serving the Wiregrass.
“Children who have been abused or neglected deserve timely, compassionate assistance from caring professionals,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to support these organizations and commend them for their commitment to protecting children.”
The grants are being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs using funds from the U.S. Department of Justice.
“These grants will fund programs that communities count on to assist children who have been victimized,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these organizations and their staffers who help children find healing and justice.”
Two local organizations serving multiple Wiregrass counties received the largest awards.
The Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention was awarded $129,809 to assist victims of crimes including child abuse, adult physical assault and human trafficking. The organization serves Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties.
The Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center received $155,148 to support victims of crimes including child abuse, kidnapping and stalking. The center serves Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties.
Additional grants include $85,363 awarded to CARE House Inc. to provide services for victims of child abuse, neglect and sexual abuse in Baldwin County, $49,383 to the Escambia County Regional Child Advocacy Center serving Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties, and $67,020 to the Covington County Child Advocacy Center for services supporting child abuse victims in Covington County.
ADECA oversees a wide range of programs statewide that support law enforcement, economic development, energy conservation, recreation and water resource management.
