Local arts-in-recovery group asks Norfolk County to consider opioid settlement funds for performances

During public comment on July 15, a county staff member reported that Karen Snyder, who represents an arts-in-recovery nonprofit called We Are Second Act, contacted commissioners seeking county support for theater and film programming led by people in recovery. Staff said Snyder described the organization as a collective of artists in recovery that uses theater, film and drama therapy to address substance‑use impacts, and expressed interest in partnering with local opioid‑grant coalitions that have received county funding. Staff said they shared a list of coalitions with Snyder and expected follow-up contacts to explore whether opioid funds could support performances. Why it matters: County opioid‑settlement or grant funds are being used for programming and services related to substance‑use disorder; a new arts-based program could be considered as a use of those funds if it aligns with grant rules and coalition priorities. Discussion: Commissioners and staff noted possible partners and said they would follow up. No formal direction to allocate funds was taken at the meeting; the item was presented as a public‑comment referral for possible future consideration. Next step: Staff said they would follow up with Snyder and the coalitions to determine interest and funding availability.