Wiregrass agency receives thousands to help abuse victims

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Six agencies that help domestic violence victims across the state, including one in the Wiregrass, received thousands of dollars to aid operations in a grant from the governor’s office.

The House of Ruth Inc. received $40,000 to help victims of abuse, domestic and sexual, across Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike counties.

“These grants are supporting organizations that offer a lifeline to victims and their families in times of crisis,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend them for providing timely assistance along with outreach and education efforts.”

The other agencies that benefited from the grants include:

• Safeplace Inc. received $36,000 for community training and violence intervention in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion, and Winston counties.

• Victim Services of Cullman Inc. received $10,000 for crisis response and recovery programs for victims of abuse and families affected by abuse in Cullman County.

• Baldwin Family Violence Shelter, better known as The Lighthouse, received a $34,000 grant to offer crisis intervention, shelter, case management, and child advocacy for victims in Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia, and Monroe counties.

• Penelope House Inc. received $37,000 for services like its Court Advocacy Program, which helps people navigate the legal system in Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington counties.

• SafeHouse of Shelby County Inc. received $27,000 to help victims of abuse with transportation, childcare assistance, career training, and educational resources in Chilton, Clay, Coosa, and Shelby counties.

The funds, which total $184,000, were made available by the U.S. Department of Justice and administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

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