SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

Gov. Bob Riley recently awarded $103,702 to SafeHouse, a nonprofit group that assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Clay, Coosa and Shelby counties.

The grant will help SafeHouse of Shelby County provide immediate and long-term aid to victims through a variety of services.

&8220;Victims need timely and professional help to escape abusive situations and build new lives,&8221; Riley said. &8220;I commend SafeHouse staff members for their dedication to helping those in need.&8221;

SafeHouse provides immediate assistance to victims through a 24-hour crisis hotline and a secure, confidential shelter. The center also organizes support groups for victims and their children and provides advocates who help victims understand the criminal justice process and accompany them to court. The organization provides shelter and advocacy for more than 400 victims annually.

SafeHouse staff members refer victims to social service agencies that offer additional assistance. Victims also receive transportation to and from job interviews and appointments.

Riley awarded the grant from funds made available to Alabama by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the award.

Riley informed Craig Mason, chairman of SafeHouse&8217;s board of directors, that the grant had been approved. Matching funds of $25,925 will supplement the award