MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey recently announced a number of grants to fund programs devoted to helping victims of drunken driving to child abuse.

All grants were administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Grant awards are as follows:

Abuse organizations

Ivey has awarded 12 grants totaling more than $4.4 million to help victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and the families of homicide victims in north Alabama.

The organizations offer an array of services such as emergency shelter, counseling, forensic exams, court advocacy, community outreach and more.

“When horrible crimes like these unfortunately occur, we want the people of Alabama to know that there is help available,” Ivey said. “I commend the staffs of these organizations for the deeply meaningful work they do to help victims of crime and abuse in our state. I am pleased that this funding will help continue their important efforts.”

Grants awarded included:

• $883,851 to Crisis Services of North Alabama in Huntsville, which serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties.

• $167,268 to the Athens Limestone Children’s Advocacy Center in Athens, which serves child abuse victims in Limestone County.

• $100,000 to the Family Services Center in Huntsville, which serves survivors of homicide or vehicular homicide in Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties.

• $193,040 to the Morgan County Child Advocacy Center in Decatur, which serves child abuse victims in Morgan County.

• $428,852 to the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, which serves child abuse victims in DeKalb, Jackson, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Ivey awarded a $112,511 grant to Alabama Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The program provides victim services, including court accompaniment and assistance in filing for victims’ compensation. The organization’s Alabama office also helps those who have lost loved ones in crashes caused by alcohol-impaired drivers.

“Victims of drunken drivers and their families often face a long road to recovery,” Ivey said. “I commend MADD for offering programs that guide victims through the recovery process and help families deal with tragic circumstances.”

AshaKiran Inc.

Ivey awarded a $418,863 grant to a nonprofit agency that provides aid specifically tailored to the needs of domestic violence victims in Alabama whose families originate from south Asia.

The funds will enable AshaKiran Inc. to continue operating a 24-hour crisis line and provide emergency services for victims. AshaKiran serves immigrants from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Volunteers formed the Huntsville-based organization to offer culturally specific social services and support to South Asian ethnic minorities who, according to organization officials, tend not to utilize social services due to cultural and language barriers.

“All domestic violence victims deserve caring, professional assistance when escaping abusive situations,” Ivey said. “I commend the staff and volunteers of AshaKiran for their efforts to help more people across the state by making these resources available.”

Alabama Court Appointed Special Advocates

Ivey has awarded a $1.3 million grant to help a nonprofit organization to enhance the quality of advocacy services for abused, abandoned and neglected children in Alabama.

The grant to Alabama Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, Network Inc. will provide trained, caring volunteers to advocate for a child’s best interests in court hearings. The advocates work with judges, attorneys and social workers to ensure the child receives appropriate care and support while in the foster care system.

“When a child is no longer safe at home and must enter foster care, they need a caring person there to advocate for their best interests,” Ivey said. “I commend this organization and the services they provide for children in need.”

Victims of Crime and Leniency Angel House

Ivey has awarded a $208,845 grant to the Victims of Crime and Leniency Angel House in Montgomery to assist victims of violent crimes in 59 counties throughout the state.

The nonprofit organization will use the funds to assist victims by offering counseling, advocacy, court accompaniment, outreach education and a 24-hour crisis line.

The organization also assists victims of robbery and family members who have lost a loved one to homicide with filing for compensation. All services are provided free of charge to victims in a number of counties, including Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties.

Those seeking assistance should contact the agency directly at 800-239-3219 or visit www.vocalonline.org.

Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Ivey awarded $175,000 to the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a nonprofit agency based in Montgomery. The group will use the funding to continue training and supporting its member domestic violence shelter programs around the state and providing education and outreach on domestic violence issues.

“Unfortunately, there is no community that is immune from the horrors of domestic violence, but free, professional help is available 24 hours a day,” Ivey said. “I commend the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence for the work they do to serve their member shelters and the people of Alabama.”

In addition to emergency shelter, the coalition’s 17 member programs offer counseling, support groups and other assistance to victims and their children. Click here for a map of domestic violence shelter organizations throughout the state.

The coalition also operates a statewide assistance hotline for victims at 800-650-6522.

The funding — administered by Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs — comes from money appropriated to the coalition by the Legislature through the general fund budget.