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Board hears pitch from Meno Life for opioid‑funded residential recovery program
Summary
Jeff Martin described Meno Life, a one‑year, faith‑based residential recovery community that operates a sawmill and makes 'swamp mats' to offset operating costs; the program asked the board to consider opioid‑fund dollars as an option and staff will review grant rules.
The Amelia County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation from Jeff Martin, director of Meno Life, about a local one‑year, residential, faith‑based recovery community and an option to use county opioid settlement funds in coordination with the program.
Martin told supervisors Meno Life began during the COVID pandemic, purchased property and built a house for residents, and operates a sawmill and business enterprises (making swamp mats) designed to provide vocational work as part of recovery. “Our motto is to have a family‑type atmosphere,” Martin said, describing a model that asks residents for a year‑long commitment, with a hard cell‑phone disconnect for the first 30 days and 30 hours per week of work at the mill as part of the program.
Martin said the program typically keeps five to eight men in residence, partners with local businesses for job placements after six months, and is exploring greenhouse farming and additional housing to grow capacity. He said some participants come via court referral and that the program prefers court‑ordered placements because they improve retention. On outcomes, Martin said the program has limited long‑term follow‑up data but reported recent graduates who have done well.
Chair and staff noted the presentation as an option for opioid‑funded uses. The chair asked staff to review the opioid‑fund rules and return with an evaluation of whether Meno Life’s proposal is permissible under the county’s opioid‑funding guidelines. No appropriation was requested or approved at the meeting.
What’s next: Staff will review the opioid‑fund rules and discuss next steps with Meno Life if the program meets grant criteria.
