By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

SafeHouse of Shelby County recently received a nearly $29,000 grant from Gov. Robert Bentley.

Bentley awarded $28,642 to the nonprofit group that assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Clay, Coosa and Shelby counties.

“It is always a relief to receive funding notifications because our organization relies heavily on grants from state and federal programs,” said SafeHouse of Shelby County Executive Director Erin Bodden. “We are also honored to be included as a recipient of state-administered federal grant funding. There is a lot of competition for that money, and we are thrilled to know that we submitted a strong proposal that demonstrated our long history of impactful service.”

Bodden said the organization applied for the grant in summer 2016.

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

“Victims need timely and professional help to escape abusive situations and build new lives,” Bentley said in a release. “I commend SafeHouse staff members for their dedication to helping those in need.”

Bodden said the money will help pay for operations at the 56-bed emergency shelter, including supportive services like counseling and case management.

SafeHouse provides immediate assistance to victims through a 24-hour crisis hotline and a secure, confidential shelter.

In addition to organizing counseling support groups for victims, the center provides advocates to help victims understand the criminal justice process and accompany them to court.

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

ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.

“ADECA’s partnership with SafeHouse and like-minded organizations throughout the state ensures that those victimized by abuse will have a safe place to turn their time of need,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said in a release.

For more information about SafeHouse, visit Safehouse.org.