The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) recently awarded a $84,800 grant to the Butler County Children’s Advocacy Center (Safe Harbor).

The money will help fund forensic interviews and evaluations, and also allow Safe Harbor to expand its current counseling services. According to Kathy Smyth, the organization will now be able to include adult survivors and parents and siblings of victims. Safe Harbor was also able to add a child advocate to the staff, as well as help cover a portion of the costs of technology upgrades, training for staff members and operating expenses.