Kay Ivey awards $208k grant to help crime victims statewide

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Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday awarded a $208,845 grant to the Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL) Angel House in Montgomery — a non-profit organization that works with families and victims of crime in Alabama who have been affected by homicide — to assist victims of violent crimes in 59 counties throughout the Yellowhammer State.

“When crime unfortunately happens, it is important for professional assistance to be available to help victims move quickly toward recovery,” Ivey said. “I commend VOCAL Angel House for ensuring victims receive the help necessary to start the healing process and for advocating for victims throughout the recovery process.”

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 the following counties: Autauga, Baldwin, Bibb, Blount, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Hale, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Madison, Marengo, Marion, Marshall, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Pickens, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Washington, Wilcox and Winston.

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

“VOCAL Angel House provides vital services to crime victims, and this grant will help ensure that those services continue to remain available,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in supporting the important work the organization does to serve victims each day.”

Ivey notified the organization’s board chairperson, Pamela Casey, that the grant had been approved. Matching funds of $52,211 will supplement the award.

Those seeking assistance should contact the VOCAL Angel House directly at (800) 239-3219 or visit www.vocalonline.org.