Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $239,813 to help four non-profit organizations in north Alabama continue providing services to domestic violence and crime victims – two of which provide services to residents of Franklin County.

A $79,713 grant will enable Thrive Alabama to expand mental health services to victims of crime in Franklin as well as Colbert, Cullman, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties. Thrive Alabama focuses on health services for marginalized populations and operates four medical clinics, including two in rural areas. Local matching funds of $19,928 will supplement the grant.

Safeplace Inc. is using funds of $44,000 to continue providing domestic violence victims in Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Winston and Marion counties with legal assistance as they seek to escape abusive situations. Safeplace will also provide school-based violence prevention programs.

“Victims of crime or abuse deserve to have access to professional services in a timely manner,” Ivey said. “I commend these organizations for services and assistance that they provide to victims.”

Funding also went to Crisis Services of North Alabama in the amount of $56,000 and Victim Services of Cullman Inc., $13,000.

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