Nearly $1.5 million in public funding will support four West Virginia programs helping people in recovery return to work, including one expected to offer car-repair assistance and commercial driver’s license training across all 55 counties, Upshur included.
Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the $1,486,500 in awards October 27. The Appalachian Regional Commission is providing $1,236,500 and West Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program is providing $250,000, according to a release from his office.
Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative will receive $499,500 for DRIVE. The initiative will assist with vehicle repairs, expand vehicle donation services and provide CDL training and workforce support for people in recovery. The governor’s office expects it to reach about 220 workers and trainees statewide.
DRIVE’s partners include Mountain State Jobs & Hope, the West Virginia Military Authority, Good News Mountaineer Garage, WorkForce West Virginia and employers.
“West Virginia has fought a long and difficult battle against substance abuse, and we cannot afford to lose another generation to addiction,” Morrisey said in the release. “Recovery means giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives. When we help someone get healthier, develop new skills, and find meaningful employment, we’re strengthening families and giving more West Virginians a chance to build a better future.”
United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties will receive $500,000 for RecoveryWorks Appalachia. The program plans to assist 100 people facing substance use disorders and other employment barriers with recovery services, housing help, training and paid work experience. Through its Work Bank, it aims to move 70 to 75 participants into jobs or advanced training.
Williamson Health & Wellness Center will use $250,000 from the Rural Health Transformation Program to expand New Heights in Mingo County. Adults in recovery will have access to mobile peer recovery coaches, job training, transportation help and connections with local employers.
West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps will receive $237,000 for SERVE, which plans to train about 45 people recovering from substance use disorders. Training will lead to industry-recognized certifications, while home repairs and community development projects will give participants construction experience and connections to jobs and apprenticeships. The program covers Nicholas, Fayette, Kanawha, Mason, Raleigh and Webster counties.
Community Bulletin
Women's health care is available close to home at four central West Virginia clinics through Vandalia Health — the not-for-profit founded by the Davis family more than a century ago, whose Foundation still funds local scholarships and programs. Read more →
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