(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced more than $2 million in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission for six projects in Ohio that support those in recovery from substance use disorder to enter or re-enter the workforce. The funding is part of the commission’s Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) program to help address the disproportionate impact substance use disorder has on the workforce in the Appalachian region.
“Connecting those in recovery to workforce training and career development will help them achieve success on the job and in their recovery journey,” said Governor DeWine. “There is hope in recovery and with supports and services like these, Ohioans can go on to live their version of the American Dream.”
“Investing in recovery-focused job training programs like this not only support those in recovery, but fosters economic growth and community resilience,” said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik. “These projects are building blocks for brighter, more prosperous Appalachian communities that will ultimately lead to a more resilient, skilled, and dynamic workforce.”
Projects receiving funding include:
$500,000 to Coleman Professional Services (Kent, Ohio) to strengthen employment pathways and long-term recovery from substance use disorder by providing individualized job placement services to workers, support to employers, and a collaborative referral system for providers and other partners. The project will partner with three regional Mental Health and Recovery Boards to refer eligible clients to the program, with workforce training provided by Flying High, Belmont Technical College, Eastern Gateway Community College, and Youngstown State University. The project expects 200 workers will receive employment services and wraparound supports. Additionally, 100 businesses will be offered services, including access to recovery-friendly workplace training and job placement and retention services.
$499,102 to Shawnee State University (Portsmouth, Ohio) to implement a program to close gaps in regional recovery-to-work services across southern Ohio. Shawnee State University, in partnership with Hope Source, Shawnee Family Health Center, King’s Daughters Medical Center, Southern Ohio Medical Center, and Valley View Health Center Community Action Organization of Scioto County, will develop a pipeline of trained behavioral mental health professionals to help individuals in substance use recovery enter or reenter the workforce. Shawnee State University expects the project will improve five organizations, 50 students, 35 workers/trainees, and 330 patients.
$496,128 to Future Plans, Inc. (New Boston, Ohio) to provide career mentors and coaching to support individuals recovering from substance use disorder. The program will also help those in recovery overcome employment barriers such as transportation and housing assistance. Future Plans, Inc. expects to serve 530 workers and 20 businesses.
$462,661 to Rural Action, Inc (The Plains, Ohio) to create the first recovery community organization in Meigs County through the Expanding Pathways to Recovery through Entrepreneurship and Specialized Support (EXPRESS) program. The model connects post-treatment wraparound services and recovery-focused employment training for more than 20 organizations that will employ participants.
$50,000 to Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (Dover, Ohio) to develop a strategic plan outlining the creation of a recovery-to-work program designed to help low-income, individuals in recovery from substance use disorder obtain and remain on a financially-sustainable career path.
$50,000 to Valley Recovery Partners (Austintown, Ohio) to develop a plan to connect recovery-to-work partners with individuals in recovery and create plans to redevelop an area building into a substance use disorder recovery center. The project will be completed in partnership with Kent State University and New Castle School of Trades, Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, Eastern Ohio Correction Center, and the City of East Liverpool.
Since INSPIRE was established in April 2021, ARC has invested nearly $42 million in 126 projects across 349 Appalachian counties. Of those projects, 16 totaling more than $6 million have been in Ohio. The nearly $14 million package for Fiscal Year 2023 is projected to improve 2,178 businesses and prepare 9,772 individuals for new opportunities in the workforce.
Additional information can be found on the program webpage. Ohio community organizations interested in applying for future funding can contact their Local Development District or the Governor’s Office of Appalachia.
