In a press release Thursday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced $3.1 million in grants awarded to assist low-income residents in securing “gainful employment and improve their quality of life.”

A portion of that money went directly to Dallas County.

The Community Service Programs (CSP) of West Alabama, which serves Dallas County and nine other counties, was awarded over $297,000.

The Community Services Block Grants were awarded to 20 community action agencies across the state to “help low-income residents achieve self-sufficiency and address barriers to success through a variety of programs and services.”

The press release noted that the specific needs of each county will determine what programs and services are available, but could include job search assistance, short-term employment skills classes, parenting classes, summer youth programs, transitional housing, financial planning programs and emergency food and shelter.

“Community Action Agencies offer services that support low-income families as they work to create a more stable foundation for a successful life,” Ivey said in the press release. “I commend these agencies for their work toward reducing poverty and helping families in need.”

The funds were made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and are being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

“Governor Ivey and I are committed to helping those agencies that offer support to some of our state’s most vulnerable residents,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said in the press release. “ADECA’s partnership with these agencies has helped many residents and families achieve a better quality of life and created more opportunities for success.”

Residents seeking assistance can contact their local community action agency for more information.

The Dallas County CSP office is located at 518 Cahaba Road in Selma and can be reached at 334-418-0023. Representatives for the local office were not available for comment.