Skip to main content


Appalachian Regional Commission

          
CLOSE
        Appalachian Region
              Data Overview of the Appalachian Region
                      Appalachian States
                      Appalachian Counties Served by ARC
                      County Economic Status and Distressed Areas in Appalachia
                      Tribal Communities in the Appalachian Region
                      Congressional Districts in Appalachia
                      Local Development Districts in Appalachia
      Investment Priorities
              Building Businesses
                      Workforce Ecosystems
                              Addressing Substance Use Disorder
                      Community Infrastructure
                              Transportation in Appalachia
                      Regional Culture and Tourism
                      Community Leaders and Capacity
                              READY Appalachia
                      Investments in Action
      Grants and Opportunities
              About ARC Grants
                              Match Requirements for ARC Grants
                      Funding Opportunities
                              Area Development ProgramOpen
                                      ARISE InitiativeOpen
                                      INSPIRE Initiative
                                      POWER InitiativeOpen
                                      WORC InitiativeOpen
                      Capacity Building Opportunities
                              Academies and Institutes
                                      READY Appalachia
                      Additional Opportunities
                              Access to Capital Program
                                      Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Initiative
                                      J-1 Visa Waiver Program
                                      Local Access Road Program
                      Contract Opportunities
                      Applicant Resources
                      Grantee Resources
                      Approved ARC Projects
      Research and Data
              Research Reports
                      Evaluations
                      Maps
                      Data Report Tool
                      Fact Sheets and Infographics
      Academies and Institutes
              Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative
                      Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy
                      Appalachian Leadership Institute
                      Appalachian STEM Academy
      About ARC
              History and Work
                      Structure and Leadership
                              ARC Offices & Staff
                                      State Partners
                                      Local Development Districts
                                      Office of Inspector General
                      Budget, Performance, and Policy
                      Newsroom
                      Careers at ARC
                      Internships at ARC
      SearchSearch
    Search

              Events
      Newsroom
      Get ARC Updates
      Inspector GeneralFacebook
      Twitter
      Youtube
      LinkedIn You are here
    HomeInvestments in ActionOn the Road to Recovery with Reintegrate Appalachia

      	
	
On the Road to Recovery with Reintegrate Appalachia
	
			Substance Use Disorder
          Training and OpportunitiesBraxton
          McDowell
          Monongalia
          Wayne
          West VirginiaInvestments in Action
	
				
	
	
	Individuals overcoming substance use disorder (SUD) often face a series of overwhelming obstacles when reentering their communities. Workplace stigmas around addiction, a lack of transportation to services and unsupportive living situations can all stand in the way of successful long-term recovery. To help individuals navigate these types of barriers, Reintegrate Appalachia – a unique job creation and workforce development project – was launched by West Virginia Sober Living and Coalfield Development Corporation with support from West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and Ascension Recovery Services.

Using ARC support, Reintegrate Appalachia re-engages participants in communities by connecting them with meaningful employment, education opportunities, and clinical/peer-to-peer support in four counties across West Virginia. Ensuring the availability of these support services not only helps workers overcoming SUD maintain their jobs, but also increases overall workforce participation and contributions to Appalachia’s economic growth – just ask Tim McCullough, a program participant that has found fulfilling employment and is in long-term recovery thanks to Reintegrate Appalachia’s support network.

I really accepted that I was going to die in active addiction. For me to get this break, to go to work early every day, is just unbelievable.– Tim mccullough

Success stories like McCullough’s rely on strong partnerships between Reintegrate Appalachia and other community entities. The program recently partnered with Jobs & Hope, the state of West Virginia’s comprehensive response to substance use disorder, to connect with 20 employers in Braxton, McDowell, Wayne, and Monongalia counties. Through these connections, Reintegrate Appalachia secured 14 employer impact statements attesting to participants’ commitment and success as employees. This strategy has created a variety of employment opportunities in food and hospitality, mechanics, clerical work, construction, healthcare, and more. Other partners include BGSE Group, which provides on-site training in several manufacturing sector trades and also currently employees four Reintegrate Appalachia participants.

To date, 121 total participants are currently enrolled in Reintegrate Appalachia and 52 individuals have already graduated. Three of those graduates continued their education by enrolling at West Virginia University, while five more went on to Monongalia County Technical Education Center (MTEC). The many lives changed by this program illustrate the importance of helping Appalachians push beyond their past and move toward a brighter future.





	



Page      
      Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems Initiative
																				
																	

  Investment in Action      
      Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board: Creating Hope Through Careers
																				
																	

  Investment in Action      
      Philip Cooper: Inspiring Change Appalachian Regional Commission

          About ARC Grants
      Grants and Opportunities
      Newsroom
      Contract Opportunities
      Contact ARC
      Careers

  Get ARC News and Updates
    
    
                
  Sign Up Here
    Web and Privacy Policy