Photo courtesy of Susann Montgomery.
Counselors Lauree Blair and Jeanna Gregory from The Crisis Center, which received a grant for its Bystander Intervention Program from Megan’s Fund.
Just after the two-year anniversary of Megan Montgomery’s death at the hands of her ex-husband on Dec. 1, 2019, the first donations from a fund set up by her mother and stepfather were awarded to two local organizations: The Crisis Center in Forest Park and Restoration Academy in Fairfield.
When Megan’s husband was found guilty of murder March 31, 2021, her mother, Susann Montgomery-Clark, and stepfather, Rod Clark, announced the formation of a charitable fund — Megan’s Fund — to fulfill Megan’s vision to stop domestic violence before it happens.
They didn’t realize interest in the cause would grow so fast.
“When we first gave the seed funding, we hoped others would join our fight to prevent domestic violence, so we went out speaking to Rotaries, civic clubs and nonprofits in Birmingham, Trussville, Shelby County, Vestavia, Gadsden, Florence and Montgomery,” Rod Clark said. “Now, we are seeing the results of those countless meetings and presentations. Nonprofits are learning that Megan’s Fund exists solely to help them deliver prevention services, and they are contacting us to discuss how we can help them with funding.”
Megan’s sister, Meredith Montgomery, serves as an adviser with the couple on Megan’s Fund. She said Megan’s Fund grants will help educate young people on the warning signs of potentially dangerous relationships.
“We are thrilled to provide our first grants to The Crisis Center and Restoration Academy, with more nonprofits in the works,” Meredith Montgomery said. “We are determined to overcome evil with good.”
The Crisis Center received a grant for its Bystander Intervention Program. Hosted by manager John Fife at Cahaba Brewing Company in November, counselors Lauree Blair and Jeanna Gregory trained bar staff on how to recognize signs of potential drug-facilitated sexual assault and become empowered to intervene.
Five more sessions sponsored by Megan’s Fund are scheduled in 2022. The Crisis Center staff also provides training for a variety of audiences throughout the year, including colleges and universities.
Restoration Academy, a private Christian school, received a grant for its Healthy U Program, which will teach students to resolve conflicts and identify unhealthy relationships.
For information on how to give to Megan’s Fund or to apply for a grant for your school or nonprofit, contact cfbham.org/megans-fund.
For more about Megan Montgomery’s story, read the article about her in the October issue of our sister publication 280 Living at 280living.com/people/honoring-megans-memory.
