A Barrow County organization that provides support for victims of domestic violence has received a grant from the Jackson EMC Foundation. 

Peace Place, a domestic violence shelter based in Winder, was awarded a $15,000 grant from the foundation's board of directors in August.

Shannon Clark, executive director for Peace Place, said the grant is used to partially fund the organization's community liason position — that person is responsible for assisting clients that do not reside in the shelter.

The grant also partially funds domestic volence classes offered in conjunction with the Barrow County Magistrate Court to individuals who wish to drop no contact orders.

"(Participants) learn some basics of domestic violence, they learn how to safety plan and about community resources in hopes to prevent further victimization," Clark said.

Grant funds are generated through the program Operation Round Up in which participating Jackson EMC customers opt to "round up" their power bills, with the change going to support local charitable organizations.