MONTGOMERY – Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $130,220 grant to help a nonprofit agency in Jefferson County continue assisting child victims of sexual assault.
The funds will support the Bessemer Cut-Off Advocacy Center’s efforts to help abused children. The center provides counseling, court advocacy and specially trained nurses to examine victims. Center staff members work with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, child protective services and medical and mental-health professionals to ensure victims receive professional, comprehensive care.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.
Matching funds of $32,555 will supplement the grant. Bentley informed Arthur Green Jr., president of the center’s board, that the grant had been approved.
Along with grants, the organization depends on private donations and local public funds to ensure that free services remain available to victims.
