Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded five grants totaling about $1.1 million to nonprofit organizations that provide shelter, advocacy and recovery services for victims of domestic violence across south Alabama, including Baldwin County.

“Domestic violence has a destructive impact on families and communities, and victims need a place to turn in their time of greatest need,” Ivey said in a news release. “I commend these organizations and their staff members for offering victims a safe haven and help with healing and justice.”

Per the release, the grants are being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs using funds from the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA oversees a wide range of programs statewide that support law enforcement, victim assistance, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.

“Victims of domestic violence rely on the vital services these nonprofit groups provide,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these organizations and the important work they do to keep victims safe and help them recover.”

For Baldwin County, the funding includes $201,762 awarded to Baldwin Family Violence Shelter, better known as The Lighthouse. The organization assists victims of crimes including domestic violence, adult physical assault, kidnapping and stalking in Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties. The Lighthouse plays a central role in Baldwin County’s response to domestic violence by providing emergency shelter, safety planning and access to support services for survivors and their families.

Other grants announced as part of the award package will support services in neighboring counties that often work in coordination with Baldwin County agencies.

Penelope House Inc. received two grants, one for $217,619 and another for $207,416. The funding will support personal advocacy, emergency shelter and referrals to community agencies for domestic violence victims in Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties.

The House of Ruth Inc. was awarded $328,603 to provide shelter, assistance navigating criminal and civil justice systems and help with filing compensation claims in Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties.

Family Counseling Center of Mobile Inc. received $178,819 to continue services for victims of crimes including domestic violence, sexual assault, child physical abuse and human trafficking in Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties.