CLEVELAND — Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday announced more than $2 million in grants to support six projects that help people recovering from substance use disorder re-enter the workforce.

What You Need To Know

  • The money is from the Appalachian Regional Commission as part of the Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems, otherwise known as INSPIRE

  • The program addresses the effects of substance use disorder has had on the Appalachian region's workforce

  • The six projects are based across Ohio

The money is from the Appalachian Regional Commission as part of the Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems, otherwise known as INSPIRE. The program addresses the of effects substance use disorder has had on the Appalachian region's workforce, DeWine said. 

“Connecting those in recovery to workforce training and career development will help them achieve success on the job and in their recovery journey,” said DeWine in a press release. “There is hope in recovery and with supports and services like these, Ohioans can go on to live their version of the American Dream.”

The following projects will receive the funds: 

  • Coleman Professional Services in Kent, Ohio, will receive $500,000. The organization aims to help strengthen pathways to employment and long-term recovery. Coleman Professional Services said it expects 200 workers to receive employment services and wraparound supports, and services will be offered to 100 businesses. 
  • Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, will receive $499,102. The university said it will implement a program to help "close gaps in regional recovery-to-work services across southern Ohio." The university said with the funds, it expects to improve five organizations, 50 students, 35 workers and 330 patients. 
  • Future Plans, Inc. in New Boston, Ohio, will receive $496,128. It will help support individuals by providing career mentors and help them overcome employment barriers. Future Plans, Inc. said it expects to help 530 workers and 20 businesses. 
  • Rural Action, Inc. in The Plains, Ohio, will receive $462,661. The funds will be used to create Meigs County's first recovery community organization through the Expanding Pathways to Recovery Through Entrepreneurship and Specialized Support program, otherwise known as EXPRESS. It expects to help provide recovery-focused employment training to more than 20 organizations. 
  • Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation in Dover, Ohio, will receive $50,000. The funds will be used to create a plan for a recovery-to-work program designed to help individuals in recovery. 
  • Valley Recovery Partners in Austintown, Ohio, will also receive $50,000 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."

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