MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $292,944 grant to support a nonprofit agency that provides aid for domestic violence victims in six Blackbelt counties.

Grant funds will help the Selma and Blackbelt Regional Abuse Sanctuary continue providing comprehensive domestic violence shelter for victims in Dallas, Greene, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties. SABRA provides crisis shelter, case management, supportive counseling, court advocacy and referral services to assist victims of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence victims should have access to safe shelter and professional services like those provided by SABRA,” Ivey said. “I commend the work of the staff and volunteers who work to protect victims and their families every day.”

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

“I join Gov. Ivey in support of SABRA and the services it offers for domestic violence victims and their families,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to partner with the organization to ensure that all abuse victims in the Blackbelt have access to safe shelter and assistance.”

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

Ivey notified Bobbi Talbot, SABRA Sanctuary board chair, that the grant had been approved. Local matching funds of $73,236 will supplement the grant.

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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley