DAYTON, Ohio — Many communities continue to feel the effects of the opioid epidemic.

Despite significant attention and funding over the years, leaders and advocates say there’s more to do.

Recently, Ohio received $100M in federal funding to fight opioid use disorder and prevent deaths. The organization receiving the most funding is Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services, or ADAMHS Board.

The funds total more than $4.1 million.

One organization is investing in an outreach program delivering critical care to mothers and babies.

Dayton mothers Emily Lankford and Amy Brackney love their children and want to give them the world.

They both also have stories that brought them to Joshua Recovery Ministries.

“So I was an addict for about 10 years. I was an IV drug user, I was addicted to fentanyl and cocaine,” said Lankford.

“I’ve been an alcoholic for a long time, probably seven years, and I lost my boys for a few years. I found out I was pregnant while I was in jail,” Brackney said.

 At Joshua Recovery Ministries, mothers may be pregnant or have a newborn.

Babies stay with them during their recovery.

“When I got here, I had three open court cases. They were able to take care of that for me. I was able to get my license back. They’re working on housing opportunities for me. It’s just a really great program,” said Lankford.

Kimberly Priester is the Director of Treatment and Supportive Services for Montgomery County ADAMHS Board.

“There are no other maternal homes like this in Montgomery County, let alone in any other counties around us,” said Priester.

The mothers share a living room area, a full service kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom with their babies.

“Organization is tough,” said Joshua Recovery Ministries Assistant Director of Maternity Housing Kristina Cook as she gave a tour of the apartment.

Two moms and two babies share the one-bedroom apartment.

It’s tight, but they make it work.

“We don’t believe in leaving any women out on the streets that may need our services,” said Cook.

From baby care questions to mental health breaks, the moms rely on one another.

It’s their village.

“We all do that for each other. You’re not here alone. You have people and it’s the first time I’ve had support in a really long time,” said Brackney.

 Mothers are not charges rent or utilities, and the apartments are full with 14 mothers and their babies.

The program relies on grants and donations.

They’ve requested $300,000 from ADAMHS to help.

“One of the key groups that the focus of the grant was is supporting women who are pregnant and who are dealing with substance use,” said Priester.

“I’m going to say like 95% of our moms actually see their Children Services cases closed before they leave our program,” Cook said.

For Lankford and Brackney, the support has been a lifesaver and changer. 

“It’s changed my life completely. I get my boys every weekend now. I’m stronger than ever. I’m fighting for my life to make sure my kids live right and have their mom,” said Brackney.

“I ended up coming here, and it’s completely changed my life. Becoming a mother has changed my life and I just really want a good future for my son and I,” said Lankford. “I really want him to get a good education and I want him to go to school and just be able to have a really good life.”

The $100 million funding boost comes from the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

This is the fourth round of state opioid and stimulus response grant funds awarded throughout Ohio.