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County shifts VIPER substance‑abuse counseling to Jewish Family & Children's Services after Lightshare staff shortage
Summary
After Lightshare informed county staff it could no longer provide counseling for the VIPER residential recovery program, the board approved a scope expansion to Jewish Family & Children's Services so treatment and wraparound services can continue without additional county dollars. The vote was unanimous.
The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously May 5 to authorize Jewish Family & Children's Services (JFCS) to assume the comprehensive substance‑abuse counseling portion of the county's VIPER residential recovery program for the remainder of fiscal year 2025.
Chuck Henry, director of Health and Human Services, told commissioners that Lightshare, the prior provider, reported staffing difficulties and informed the county it would end the contract. Because VIPER's counseling component is operationally critical, JFCS offered staffed coverage and the county proposed an amendment shifting existing contract dollars to JFCS for reimbursement as services are provided. Henry said no new county dollars were requested; funds would be reallocated within the existing program budget.
Several commissioners and VIPER program graduates who addressed the board described the program's residential and wraparound model as a highly effective intervention that reduces incarceration and improves outcomes. Commissioner Kutzinger moved approval of the contract amendment; the motion passed unanimously. County staff will execute a contract amendment covering the remainder of FY2025.
