Topeka ? The Willow Domestic Violence Center in Lawrence will receive $63,377 in federal grant funds this year, Gov. Sam Brownback’s office announced Friday.

That grant was one of 20 such grants totaling nearly $1.2 million that the state receives through the Federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act grant program.

Joan Schultz, executive director at the Willow Center, said the money will pay the cost of two part-time staff positions, one in Franklin County and another in Jefferson County, who coordinate Willow’s activities in those two counties.

It will also pay the cost of a full-time health and wellness staff person in Lawrence to make sure victims of domestic violence are able to take care of the health needs of themselves and their children, Schultz said.

The Willow Center was established in 1976. It provides free and confidential services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in Douglas, Franklin and Jefferson counties. Those services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, support services for victims and children, court advocacy and employment services and work programs.