Innovative Alternatives, Inc. (IA) has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to support its Crime Victim Advocacy Program, which provides free advocacy and counseling services to victims of crime.

Since its founding in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has distributed more than $30 million in grants to law-related programs statewide. The foundation, supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, is the largest charitably funded bar foundation in the nation.

The grant will fund direct support from Crime Victim Advocate Abby Yancey, BSW, who provides up to 18 hours of advocacy services, including court accompaniment, Victim Impact Statement assistance, case updates, and communication with District Attorney’s offices. It also allows victims to receive up to nine free counseling sessions with trauma-informed therapists.

“Every survivor deserves to feel heard, supported, and safe,” said Yancey. “The Texas Bar Foundation’s support makes it possible for us to stand with victims during some of the hardest times of their lives — and to help them move forward with strength and dignity.”

“This funding allows us to stand beside victims of crime at some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” added Donny Daughenbaugh, President and CEO of Innovative Alternatives, Inc. “We’re deeply grateful to the Texas Bar Foundation for recognizing the importance of victim advocacy and access to justice.”

More information about Innovative Alternatives, Inc. and its services is available at http://www.innovativealternatives.org/services

Photo courtesy: Innovative Alternatives