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Local recovery provider seeks support to expand east-side beds; founder details services and outcomes
Summary
Foundations to Freedom asked the Daytona Beach City Commission for help expanding FAR‑certified recovery residences on the city’s east side amid a recent net loss of local recovery beds. Executive director Catherine Russell described an 89% one-year success rate, 111 clients in program, and a $2.3 million annual operating budget.
Catherine Russell, executive director and founder of Foundations to Freedom, presented the nonprofit’s work delivering recovery residences and wraparound services across Volusia County and asked the commission for support to expand capacity in Daytona Beach’s east side.
Russell said Foundations to Freedom operates 11 locations (10 in Volusia County), houses single men, women and families, runs a three‑phase program with case management and licensed counselors, and provides on‑site services including transportation and a 16‑panel drug testing protocol. She reported 111 current clients, an operating budget of about $2.3 million with roughly 72% covered by grant funding, a weekly client fee of $180, and an 89% one‑year graduate success rate.
Russell told commissioners the county has lost roughly 26% of recovery beds on the east side over the past year because of closures, contributing to local capacity shortages. She asked the commission to support expansion and to consider property or funding options. Commissioners thanked the presenter and noted ongoing work to regulate and encourage certified recovery residences under forthcoming local code updates tied to state law.
The commission took no formal vote on funding at the meeting. Staff indicated the planning department is drafting land‑development rules for certified recovery residences and that an ordinance to implement those regulations is expected within weeks.
