By Sarah Mahan

The Selma Times-Journal

Women seeking help, aid and shelter in the Selma and Dallas County area have SABRA Sanctuary as refuge. Now, thanks to a grant from a local company, the sanctuary can continue to do the work they were called to do.

Selma-based Cougar Oil Co., who partnered with the BP Fueling Communities program, presented a $6,500 grant to SABRA Sanctuary Wednesday..

The grant will help SABRA Sanctuary provide food, shelter, supplies and other services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Dallas, Perry and Wilcox counties. The center aims to help better the communities it serves by providing for those in need and educating residents about maintaining happy, healthy relationships.

Nancy Travis, director of the crisis center, said the grant helps offset the donation money they have lost over past years.

“When I was contacted about the donation, I had no clue how much money it was going to be,” Travis said. “When I opened the check, I was so surprised about the amount of the donation and so thankful for it.”

BP plans to grant $5 million to local communities through their out-reach program.

This is the third year Cougar Oil Co. and BP Fueling Communities joined to donate money to the SABRA Sanctuary.

“We select a charity for the money from BP to go to, and we decided SABRA was a worthwhile cause, ” J. Larry Jones, president of Cougar Oil Co., said.

All the services provided by the SARBRA Sanctuary, including a 24-hour crisis line, are free. The crisis center is completely funded through grants and donations from the community.