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Empowerhouse reports rising need, expands services for people in early recovery
Summary
Empowerhouse told the Osage County Commission it operates two recovery houses and community clinics, described rising client age and mental‑health needs, and outlined housing, criminal‑history and supervision statistics for residents.
Melissa Lopez, representing Empowerhouse, told the Osage County Commission on Dec. 16 that the nonprofit operates two recovery residences aimed at people in early recovery and also runs public clinics and education sessions.
Lopez said Empowerhouse focuses on “holistic” supports — employment, identification, substance‑use treatment and peer meetings — and gave detailed program statistics. She said the program’s average client age historically was about 35 but is “probably 44 for this year.” She described housing status: roughly one‑third of clients enter homeless (sleeping on streets or in vehicles) and another third are precariously housed. Lopez said mental‑health diagnoses are common and increasing, with prior estimates near 75% of clients and recent data “looking like it’s gonna be 84 percent.” She listed PTSD, anxiety and ADHD as frequent conditions and noted some clients have bipolar disorder and schizophrenia; she said those conditions are not automatic disqualifiers if relatively controlled.
Lopez reviewed criminal‑history and supervision figures for residents: women in the program typically have had about three felonies, men about four; some residents carry far more charges, and many are supervised. The presentation cited supervision levels including probation and community corrections, and that a sizable share of residents participate in drug court. Lopez also summarized program capacity: the women’s house generally serves up to nine at a time and the men’s house has been operating with up to 10 residents; she said the organization’s annual service capacity is about 24 men, 24 women and 24 additional participants attending clinics, for a total annual service population of roughly 72.
Lopez described recent program changes: increased and diversified drug screening (urine, mouth swabs, breathalyzer), stepped goal planning with weekly then monthly meetings, a monthly leadership role for one resident in each house, and plans for administrative help and a grant writer in 2025. She said referrals have increased recently from Osage and Franklin counties and that some participants have been encountered through Osage County Jail furloughs.
The presentation closed with Lopez noting Empowerhouse has served people from the county and that staff expect to return to the commission with updates in mid‑2025.
