MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $802,845 to a Florence-based agency to provide services for victims of domestic violence in six northwest Alabama counties.
Safeplace Inc., will use the funds to provide safe shelter, counseling and legal services for victims in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.
“Domestic violence is a horrendous act that harms families and leaves lasting scars,” Ivey said. “I am thankful for agencies like Safeplace Inc., which intervene and help family members rebuild their lives.”
In existence since 1981, Safeplace Inc., helps families escape violent situations at home by providing them with shelter and transitional housing. The agency offers a 24-hour telephone hotline to help victims immediately flee violent situations. Safeplace also assists victims with legal proceedings and provides advocacy services. Individual and group counseling are available.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice. Safeplace also relies heavily on volunteers and private contributions for its operations.
“ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey in assisting Safeplace with its mission to help victims,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.