The grant to the Wellhouse will help the organization to continue its statewide work to rescue and rehabilitate trafficking victims who have been sexually exploited. The organization, based in St. Clair County, provides residential and therapeutic programs, along with medical and mental health care.

“The immense toll that this horrible crime takes on victims is hard for most of us to even imagine, and I am thankful that an organization like the Wellhouse is around to help these victims in the recovery process,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award this grant to help the Wellhouse continue the important work that they do in Alabama.”

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

Along with grant funding, the organization relies on local, private donations to ensure that services remain available to victims year-round.

“Gov. Ivey has a heart for victims, and ADECA stands with her in supporting the work of the staff and volunteers at the Wellhouse as they assist victims of these terrible crimes,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

Gov. Ivey notified Allan Worthington, the organization’s board chair, that the grant had been approved.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim services, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.