CullmanTimes.com - Cullman, Alabama

Top News

Discussion

October 21, 2010

Victim Services gets grant

Officials say money will help with funding shortfalls

By Sam Rolley The Cullman Times

Victim Services of Cullman has been chosen to receive $20,000 in grant funding from the Mary Kay Foundation to help the non-profit organization continue to serve the community.

The acquired grant money will be used to alleviate the financial burden on the non-profit domestic violence shelter. Victim Services of Cullman is one of 150 agencies in the country to receive the funding.

“This grant is a blessing to Victim Services in a variety of ways,” said director Kenosha Davenport. “Not only does it make up for a deficit in funding this year, but gives us the hope and strength to continue what we do.”

Victim Services provides a variety of services to victims of domestic violence in the community. According to Davenport, the organization offers assistance with court cases, financial help, counseling and support groups, among other services to assist victims of violence.

“The shelter is a big part of our organization but the many other services that we offer require a great deal of resources in order to be effective,” said Davenport.

According to a survey conducted last year by the Mary Kay Foundation, instances of domestic violence have increased recently due to national economic conditions. The survey says that 88 percent of shelters that are already stretched for resources expect conditions to worsen through 2011.

According to Davenport, Cullman is no exception.

“We’ve not only noticed an increase of people in need of the shelter services, but also a higher volume of calls asking for assistance or counseling,” she said.

While the grant funding is a major benefit to the organization, officials are always seeking volunteers.

“What we really need now is people to actively volunteer; we have a campaign going right now to generate interest in volunteering with Victim Services,” said Davenport.

Volunteers are needed for clerical work, donation sorting, and a number of other activities within the organization, according to officials.

In addition to the services that the organization provides to victims of domestic violence, priority is also given to educating the community in order to prevent domestic violence.

“One of the biggest measures to helping victims of domestic violence is spending time in the community teaching about it in order to prevent it,” said Davenport.

For more information about Victim Services of Cullman or to find out about volunteer opportunities or the services they provide, call 775-2600.



* Sam Rolley can be reached by e-mail at srolley@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 225.

Text Only
Top News