Nonprofits ask Jefferson County for opioid-settlement funds to expand recovery housing and outpatient services

Pastor Micah Adkins of God’s Not Done Ministries and Brandy Atkins, director of Ruth Haven, asked Jefferson County commissioners on June 5 during the public-comment portion of the meeting to allocate money from the county’s opioid settlement fund to expand local recovery housing and outpatient services.

Adkins asked the county to support a faith-based, opioid-focused residential recovery program in Madison that he described as a six- to 12-month, Christ-centered program for 10 to 12 residents at a time. “Our total request for an inpatient…what is $375,000,” Adkins said, adding he also submitted an outpatient proposal that would cost $100,000 for year one. He said the inpatient plan would include “trauma informed care, peer coaching, relapse prevention, and discipleship” and that program leadership would be drawn from people with lived experience in recovery.

Brandy Atkins asked commissioners to consider a $50,000 allocation to Ruth Haven, a long-standing transitional home for women at 117 Presbyterian Avenue in Madison. “This funding will help us continue to meet the needs of our residents covering cost associated with recovery resources, transportation, personal essentials, and day to day operations,” she said, and described her own history with the program as evidence of its impact.

Why it matters: Commissioners heard multiple requests for settlement funds that would expand local capacity for long-term recovery housing and outpatient services. Adkins and Brandy Atkins said Jefferson County lacks opioid-focused, long-term residential options and structured Christ-centered outpatient programs; both presenters framed their proposals as ways to reduce relapse and support reintegration after treatment or incarceration.

What was said and what happened: Both presenters submitted written outlines to the county during their remarks. Adkins described the program curriculum as daily devotions, Bible study, life-recovery curricula and one-on-one peer mentorship; he also said outpatient services would allow participants to keep jobs while receiving support. Brandy Atkins said Ruth Haven provides stability and essential services for women reentering the community and sought funds for operating costs and resident supports. No vote or formal appropriation of opioid settlement funds was recorded at the meeting; both requests were presented during public comment.

Next steps and context: Presenters indicated they will submit written proposals and budgets to county staff for further consideration. Commissioners did not announce a formal decision at the meeting; any allocation from the opioid settlement fund would require staff review and a formal action recorded at a future meeting.

Ending: County staff acknowledged receipt of the materials; commissioners did not vote on funding during the June 5 meeting.