Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $415,000 to three organizations that support domestic violence victims across south Alabama, with a significant share directed to The Lighthouse, which serves Baldwin and surrounding counties.

The Lighthouse, formally known as the Baldwin Family Violence Shelter, will receive $118,000 to operate its shelter, 24-hour crisis line and case management program according to a news release. The group serves Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties and is the only domestic violence shelter in that region.

“These grants will help community-based nonprofits continue to provide a safe haven and compassionate care to people in times of danger and distress,” Ivey said in the release. “I commend these groups for the important work they do to provide professional assistance to domestic violence victims in their time of greatest need.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is distributing the funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said in the release that the programs strengthen families and communities by providing critical support to those facing abuse.

“The services funded by these grants benefit not only domestic violence victims but also their families and the greater community,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these organizations’ efforts to prevent and respond to family violence.”

The remaining awards include $131,000 for The House of Ruth Inc., which offers advocacy, emotional support and legal system assistance in Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties. Penelope House Inc. will receive $166,000 for community awareness and prevention efforts in Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties.

ADECA oversees programs tied to law enforcement support, victim services, economic development, water resources, energy conservation and recreation.