Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $500,000 in federal funding for the Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc. The funding was awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission INvestments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative and will be used to provide comprehensive support and workforce re-entry services for over 100 individuals struggling with substance use disorders. The funding will also help provide training for 20 local businesses to become recovery-friendly workplaces.
“In the face of the record number of overdose deaths in the nation, it is crystal clear we must take more aggressive and coordinated action to prevent and treat substance abuse and addiction. And today’s federal funding for Delaware and Otsego County will work to rally community resources for employment services and outreach surrounding addiction recovery support,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to deliver this essential funding and will continue to fight to ensure New Yorkers struggling with addiction have all the help they need to get back on their feet and receive gainful employment.”
“The pandemic has exacerbated an ongoing addiction crisis, but in too many of New York’s rural communities, those suffering from substance use disorder and addiction have nowhere to turn for help,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will help remedy the shortage of recovery services in Delaware and Otsego counties and provide individuals struggling with addiction with the resources they need to get back on their feet and secure gainful employment. I will keep fighting for programs that help New York overcome the epidemic of addiction.”
The project will provide individuals engaged in recovery who are unemployed or underemployed with case management and peer support services throughout the recovery, job search, and job training process. Businesses that employ these individuals will also receive assistance and education. Local sources will provide an additional $500,000 of project funding.