Child advocacy centers, recovery housing, and diversion programs in West Virginia are set to benefit from grants totaling $10.4 million, marking the initial distribution of funds by a nonprofit tasked with allocating settlement money from opioid lawsuits in the state with the highest overdose rate in the U.S.
The West Virginia First Foundation revealed on Monday that 38 programs spanning six regions of the state would be receiving funding, signifying a vital step in combating the epidemic with a sense of urgency and compassion, as stated by Executive Director Jonathan Board.
From a pool of 174 applications received this year, the foundation selected proposals for the initial round of grants amounting to approximately $19.2 million. Additionally, officials plan to allocate around $8.8 million in supplemental awards to organizations that were not chosen in the first round, requiring them to make necessary adjustments and reapply.
A total of 11 organizations are slated to receive funding aimed at youth substance use prevention and workforce development. The largest share of $442,800 is earmarked for Seed Sower, Inc. operating in several counties in southern West Virginia, including Fayette, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Nicholas, Webster, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Mercer, Wyoming, and McDowell.
Furthermore, grants have been allocated to ten county commissions, local police departments, and other organizations for programs designed to divert individuals from the criminal justice system, offering them essential support and treatment. Notably, the Berkeley County Diversion and Interdiction Project is set to receive the largest chunk of funding, totaling around $625,650.
In a bid to enhance access to transitional and recovery housing, seven organizations will benefit from funding, with Southern WV Fellowship Home, Inc. securing the largest share of $658,800.
Child advocacy centers are also in line for financial support, with ten centers throughout the state set to receive funding. Among them, North Star Child Advocacy Center in Parkersburg will be granted $720,000 to expand its operations.
Matt Harvey, the foundation’s board chair and prosecuting attorney in Jefferson County, emphasized the significance of the funding announcement, particularly during the holiday season. He expressed hope that the news would instill a message of hope, recovery, and progress within West Virginia communities.
A memorandum of understanding, signed by officials from 55 West Virginia counties, enables the funneling of funds through the West Virginia First Foundation and outlines the stipulations for expenditure. Earlier this year, the state Legislature and Governor Jim Justice approved the agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, the foundation is tasked with distributing nearly three-quarters of the settlement funds, with approximately a quarter going directly to local communities. A small portion, 3%, will be retained in trust.
West Virginia is slated to receive funds from its settlement agreements on a staggered schedule, with annual payments guaranteed until at least 2036. Over the next five years, the private foundation is projected to receive approximately $367 million.
