Safe Harbor Receives Thousands in State Funding
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The Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center in Butler County Safe Harbor recently received $84,800 in grant money from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The money is going to be primarily used to fund the already extensive counseling services.
The ADECA grant will allow Safe Harbor to extend working hours for counselors and fund forensic interviews and evaluations. Counseling services will now also be offered to siblings and parents of victims and adult survivors who come forward.
Kathy Smyth is the executive director of Safe Harbor, and she said that type of counseling is desperately needed for some families.
“It’s absolutely necessary for an understanding of what happened and how everyone is impacted by that trauma within the family,” Smyth said. “And how we’re going to get through that, and here are the steps we’re going to take together.”
The funding has also allowed Safe Harbor to extend operational hours. Instead of a four day week, Safe Harbor is now open Monday through Friday. Safe Harbor is still asking for donations of any kind and offers volunteer opportunities for all ages. To donate or volunteer, click here to be connected to the Facebook page.
