FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $603,823 to help abuse victims and their families rebuild their lives.

Chelsea-based King’s Home will use funds to provide critical needs like food and shelter to victims of abuse and violence in Shelby, Blount, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties. The goal is to help the victims become stable and independent.

“Life with an abusive person is a frightening experience, and victims deserve professional assistance as they leave abusive relationships,” Ivey said. “King’s Home helps families recover from abuse and re-establish themselves.”

King’s Home, former known as The King’s Ranch and Hannah Home, has been serving the area for 45 years by providing food, housing, clothing, transportation and other services to people who flee volatile domestic situations.

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

“Gov. Ivey and ADECA are committed to helping abuse victims and their families reach safe ground and then help them along the process of rebuilding their lives,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

Local matching funds of $150,956 have been pledged to support the program. King’s Home also relies on local donations to maintain their services.

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