MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $3.7 million to help two nonprofit organizations in Montgomery continue providing services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The grants will fund a variety of services to assist victims in 10 central Alabama counties.

“Abuse and sexual assault affect people of all ages, and those victims deserve access to assistance that helps them find safe shelter and begin the healing process,” Ivey said. “I commend the work of the staff members and volunteers of these organizations who work daily to assist every victim.”

A $3.6 million grant will enable the Montgomery Area Family Violence Program’s Family Sunshine Center to provide shelter and support for victims of domestic violence. The center also offers case management, advocacy, consultation and counseling services to victims and their families. The center serves victims in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Perry and Wilcox counties. Matching funds of $156,613 will supplement the grant.

A $14,529 grant to the One Place Family Justice Center will help the organization continue assisting victims of sexual assault and their families in Autauga, Butler, Crenshaw, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Perry and Wilcox counties. Services include advocacy, sexual assault forensic examinations, crisis counseling, outreach and education as well as referrals to other social service agencies that offer additional assistance.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Justice Department.

“ADECA shares Gov. Ivey’s commitment to supporting organizations that assist victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “These partnerships help ensure that victims continue to have access to the help they need in a timely manner.”

ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.

“These grants will provide the support victims desperately need during a time of crisis in their lives, state Rep. Kelvin Lawrence said. “The services provided through these grants are invaluable to our communities and will have a positive effect not only today but also in the future. I want to thank Governor Ivey and ADECA Director Boswell for their efforts to help victims in our state.”

Ivey notified Kathy Gunter, Montgomery Area Family Violence Program board president, and Michael Briddell, One Place Family Justice Center board president, that the grants had been approved.

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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley