News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
UCDD and UCHRA have received grant funding to create two new services in the substance abuse program.
The first being a new recovery to work program. Executive Director Mark Farley said the development district received a half a million dollar grant allowing the expansion.
“We’ll be hiring somebody to serve in the region helping individuals come out of recovery and get gainfully employed,” Farley said. “And hopefully work with them for a period of two years.”
Farley said the other is a transitional housing program for people in recovery. A $900,000 THDA housing grant awarded to UCHRA makes this work possible.
“Obviously, we are trying to put together all the moving pieces and parts to a successful substance abuse program,” Farley said. “One of those components is working. Getting people back to work. Housing is a component.”
The THDA grant will allow the hiring of four outreach workers to be placed across the Upper Cumberland for assistance. Substance Abuse Program Director Glen Sayes said these positions will hopefully be filled in the next 60 days.
“Each of these outreach workers will be responsible for about a three county area,” Sayes said. “They will be traveling there identifying people with needs. Linking them with our office here but being a conduit for you directly.”
Farley said the need for this in the Upper Cumberland is great, and he is excited about the work. No time frame was shared for when these programs will begin. The organization has assisted 365 individuals in the past year.
