Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $47,792 grant to support a nonprofit agency’s continued efforts to provide aid specifically tailored for immigrant victims of domestic violence.
The grant funds will help AshaKiran Inc. offer culturally specific services to help domestic violence and sexual assault victims throughout the state. The organization will provide training and education to shelter programs, first responders and other professionals who work with victims. Additionally, AshaKiran provides emergency shelter and operates a 24-hour crisis line for victims.
“Domestic violence touches every culture, and it is imperative that victims of all backgrounds have access to professional assistance at a time they need it most,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend the work that AshaKiran continues to do to ensure that cultural backgrounds are not a barrier for victims to receive needed and available assistance.”
Volunteers formed the organization in 2006 to offer services and support to south Asian ethnic minorities who, according to organization officials, tend not to utilize social services due to cultural and language barriers. AshaKiran has since expanded services to assist victims with origins in China, Africa, the Middle East, South America and Europe.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
“Gov. Ivey and ADECA are committed to assisting organizations like AshaKiran that provide help for those who have suffered from abuse,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Gov. Ivey notified Michael Conrad, chair of the organization’s board, that the grant had been approved.
