Freedom Life pitches regional reentry program to Mitchell County; commissioners to consider allowing application for opioid funds

Freedom Life, a faith-based nonprofit that partners with correctional agencies and local organizations on reentry services, presented a regional model to the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners and requested the county allow it to apply for opioid funds under the county’s process.

Danny Hampton, Freedom Life’s executive director, described the organization’s mission, partnerships across McDowell, Avery and Yancey counties, and an organizational structure that uses a full reentry council, an executive committee, and smaller action teams for areas such as housing, substance use and employment. He said the state Department of Adult Corrections (DAC) and other partners have supported similar regional councils and that a state RFP related to reentry funding is expected to be released in April or May, with awards likely around September–October.

Hampton outlined two program tracks (a general-service track and a faith-based track), evidence-based assessments used by the organization (named ORAS in the presentation), and wraparound case management. He described housing projects already under way regionally, including a referenced McDowell County project to build 44 reentry apartments and a submitted $350,000 Dogwood grant intended to fund stage-1 housing on a partner property.

Freedom Life said it is already conducting regional work and has raised some funds, and asked Mitchell County to give Freedom Life the same opportunity as other agencies to apply for opioid funds under the county’s usual application process. The presenter said the organization is not seeking special treatment but expects the county to require an application and some local investment as part of that process.

Commissioners responded with largely favorable remarks and said the board would place an item on the April 7 agenda for a formal vote on whether the county will support Freedom Life’s participation and allow application for opioid funds. One commissioner said he had committed Mitchell County to be part of a grant application to increase the chance of inclusion; another commissioner emphasized the process that any nonprofit must follow to receive opioid funding (application and review). No final funding decision was made at the meeting.

Direct quotes: "When the tide comes in, all the boats rise," said Freedom Life’s presenter describing the organization's regional strategy. Commissioners asked staff to include the Freedom Life item for discussion and possible approval at the April 7 meeting.