Alpha Ministries presents Shepherdsville recovery center; court agrees to research opioid-fund eligibility

Alpha Ministries representatives told the Spencer County Fiscal Court on Feb. 17 that the organization has opened a 40‑bed, faith‑based recovery center in Shepherdsville and is seeking county support and partnership to expand services and prevention work.

The ministry outlined residential treatment, family reintegration services, workforce training and school‑based prevention and asked the court to consider whether Spencer County could use opioid settlement funds or other local resources to support the program. The court did not pledge funding at the meeting and said it would consult legal guidance on the Kentucky Revised Statutes governing opioid settlement spending.

Alpha Ministries’ presenter described the center as a “40 bed, recovery center” and said the residential program runs six to 12 months. The presenter said the organization opened under a lease for about 9,000 square feet in Shepherdsville and that the formal lease term begins March 1; the group reported a soft opening with five residents and three peer‑support specialists on staff. “Alpha Ministries, Reach Rescue is the story of the first and only, faith based drug and alcohol, recovery resource center in Shepherdville, Kentucky,” the presenter said.

Court members asked several procedural questions, including how referrals would be made, whether the program partnered with local courts and how transportation would be provided for Spencer County residents who need the service. The presenter said Alpha Ministries is operating by referral, has begun outreach to local churches and community groups, and will provide transportation when needed.

Lauren Carr, identified at the meeting as the county’s opioid settlement advisor with the regional CACO, had previously briefed court staff on allowable opioid‑fund activities and told the court that some prevention, barrier‑relief and community‑engagement programs can qualify. The court’s judge said, however, that a formal county investment would require legal review: “I’m not ready to recommend or suggest that we invest tonight, but we need to do some more research to make sure it qualifies,” the judge said.

Court direction and next steps: the judge asked county staff and the county attorney to review the ministry’s materials and the relevant provisions of Kentucky law (KRS) on opioid settlement uses and to provide guidance at a later meeting. The presenter agreed to supply a packet of information and invite court members to tour the Shepherdsville facility.

Why it matters: opioid settlement dollars are time‑limited and subject to state law. The court’s decision to seek legal and accounting guidance preserves options for the county without committing taxpayer funds before eligibility and compliance are confirmed.

What’s next: Alpha Ministries will provide information packets and a website (am3r.org) to the judge’s office; county staff will report back after legal review and consultation with the opioid settlement adviser.