Governor Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling more than $2.4 million to agencies that provide professional assistance to child abuse victims in 15 north Alabama counties.
“Child abuse unfortunately continues to be a crime that affects too many Alabama children and families,” Ivey said. “I will continue to support those who are working to help victims. I commend these groups for their focus on prevention and for working to restore victims’ ability to live happy, healthy and productive lives.”
The James M. Barrie Center for Children Inc. in Gadsden has received $223,608 of the $2.4 million worth of grants to meet a critical need for services in Etowah County.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants with funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Several of these agencies serve rural communities that may not have the same resources as those in larger metro areas,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting this funding which will help community-based centers continue to provide services in a timely manner.”
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.