Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Substance Use Treatment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $500,000 grant to Volunteers of America for family-focused recovery treatment center
Summary
Council authorized a grant of up to $500,000 from the city's Affordable Housing Bond Fund to help finish construction of a Volunteers of America residential treatment facility that allows women to remain with their children during recovery.
Columbus City Council voted on Feb. 5 to authorize up to $500,000 in Affordable Housing Bond funds to help complete construction of a family-focused recovery treatment facility operated by Volunteers of America Ohio and Indiana.
The grant (Ordinance 0129-125) authorizes a construction grant to Volunteers of America to complete the Fresh Start Recovery Center, a residential program designed to allow women to stay in treatment with their children. Jennifer Martinez, vice president of behavioral health operations for Volunteers of America Ohio and Indiana, told council the program will not limit the age or number of children a parent can bring into treatment and that the program is designed with an equity lens and outreach to populations that have historically faced barriers to treatment.
Why it matters: The city and partners said the facility fills a gap for families seeking recovery services together; proponents highlighted goals including reduced neonatal abstinence and shorter NICU stays, fewer child placements in foster or kinship care and improved birth outcomes.
Program details
Martinez said Volunteers of America has operated similar family-centered residential facilities in Indiana and will bring the model to Central Ohio with a focus on inclusive access, including for transgender birthing people. The project partners with CelebrateOne and engaged community stakeholders, including women with lived experience of treatment, in planning.
Council action
Council approved Ordinance 0129-125 to transfer Affordable Housing Bond funds and authorize a grant agreement with Volunteers of America for up to $500,000. The clerk called the roll and the ordinance passed.
Ending
Supporters on the dais framed the funding as the last gap to allow construction to finish and said the center will provide a treatment option that keeps families together during recovery. Volunteers of America representatives said they would work with the city and partners to complete construction and begin operations.
