In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the establishment of the Harbor Hope Center, a new educational and recovery initiative aimed at supporting students with diverse academic needs and mental health challenges. The center will offer a multi-division online platform (MOP) that allows students to enroll in up to eight courses per year, combining asynchronous learning with face-to-face mentorship from special education teachers.

The program is designed to cater to students who have previously struggled academically, providing credit recovery options that allow them to retake courses with the guidance of dedicated educators. Additionally, the Harbor Hope Center will implement a General Educational Development (GED) program modeled after Chesapeake City Public Schools, targeting students unlikely to achieve a standard diploma.

A key feature of the Harbor Hope Center is its integrated clinical support system. Students will have access to individualized counseling sessions with licensed clinicians and peer recovery specialists, who will provide support based on their own recovery experiences. This approach aims to enhance treatment engagement and retention, with students participating in daily group activities focused on mental health and recovery.

Transportation plans for students have been developed in collaboration with local officials, and funding for the center is being sought from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, which oversees the distribution of settlement funds related to opioid litigation. These funds are intended to support initiatives that demonstrate a direct connection to opioid recovery, making the Harbor Hope Center a potential beneficiary.

The steering committee is actively working with localities to secure the necessary funding to launch the center, which is expected to provide a flexible and individualized educational experience for students in need.