State of Ohio Seeking Recovery to Work Solutions in Appalachia

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The State of Ohio is looking to invest in projects that help create opportunities for Appalachian Ohioans in recovery to find and keep sustainable employment.

Funding is available for projects through the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative, in partnership with the Ohio Governor's Office of Appalachia.

The INSPIRE program addresses the Appalachian region's substance use disorder (SUD) crisis through projects that create or expand opportunities for Ohioans impacted by SUD to enter or reenter the workforce. Successful projects focus on workforce training programs, mentoring, peer support, and other wraparound services tailored to individuals in recovery.

"Successful projects start with strong partnerships," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which houses the Governor's Office of Appalachia. "INSPIRE is more than funding-it's an opportunity to unite communities under the common goal of creating sustainable, impactful pathways from recovery to employment."

Applicants can partner with other recovery services and providers in their communities to establish new recovery-to-work projects or expand recovery-ready workplace models.

ARC will host a virtual pre-application workshop on Jan. 28 to help prospective applicants learn more about the program and applications. Mandatory Letters of Intent are due at 5 p.m. Feb. 14. Final applications are due at 5 p.m. March 1.

"Substance use disorder recovery isn't a singular event, but a continuum. Both workforce training and ending the stigma surrounding substance use disorder are equally important in providing a renewed sense of hope and purpose to Appalachians in recovery," said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. "ARC's INSPIRE initiative helps remove the barriers to workforce participation entry when it comes to recovery-to-work projects across the region, ensuring that all Appalachians have an opportunity at a bright future."

Since INSPIRE was established in 2021, ARC has invested $53.6 million in 166 projects supporting Appalachians impacted by SUD across all 13 Appalachian states. In Ohio, 20 projects have received more than $1.2 million.

In Jefferson County, INSPIRE funds will support individuals in recovery with training and re-entry into high-demand jobs such as truck drivers, machinery operators, retail and restaurant workers, and peer recovery workers. Shawnee State University is working to create a pipeline of trained, licensed behavioral and mental health workers to support recovery in Portsmouth and surrounding areas. The Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization is working to create access to housing, nutrition, early childhood services, and job training opportunities.

For more information and to apply, visit ARC.Gov/INSPIRE. Ohio applicants are encouraged to work with their Local Development Districts to prepare their applications.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.