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Staff report
Gov. Mike DeWine 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.
Among the projects funded are these locally:
-- $500,000 to Coleman Professional Services, Kent. 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 support. Additionally, 100 businesses will be offered services, including access to recovery-friendly workplace training and job placement and retention services.
-- $50,000 to Valley Recovery Partners, Austintown, 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, New Castle School of Trades, Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, Eastern Ohio Correction Center, and the city of East Liverpool.
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," DeWine said. "There is hope in recovery and with supports and services like these, Ohioans can go on to live their version of the American Dream."
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.
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