By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

Several Shelby County nonprofit organizations recently received a total of $16,500 in grants from the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation.

Those receiving grants included: Westover-based PACERS, Inc. and Safe House of Shelby County in Pelham, both of which received $3,500; Special Equestrians, Inc. in Indian Springs, which received $3,000; Saginaw-based Family Connection, Inc., which received $2,500; and Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch in Wilsonville and Southeastern Diabetes Education Services in Hoover, both of which received $2,000.

“During this holiday season, it is especially rewarding to offer funding that supports the outstanding work that is being done to help others,” said ACJF President Rebekah McKinney in a press release. “We recognize that the downturn in our nation’s economy has meant decreased resources for nonprofits while the need for services has increased. We are pleased that our grants can offer some support during these difficult times.”

ACJF is based in Montgomery. For more information, visit Acjf.org.