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Former participant describes Storehouse long-term recovery and workforce pipeline, urges funding for expansion
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Summary
Vanessa Smith of the Storehouse testified about a faith-based, 12-month recovery-to-work pipeline that she says has produced sustained completion rates and workforce outcomes; she asked for partnerships and funding to scale the program beyond private donations.
Vanessa Smith, administrative director of the Storehouse, testified to the Senate Workforce Committee about a faith-based, 12-month long-term recovery program that moves participants from residential treatment into transitional housing and vocational pathways.
Smith opened with personal testimony about her recovery and described program components: clinical integrated care, faith-informed recovery supports, peer mentoring, intensive case management, and paid vocational training aligned with in-demand trades. She said the Storehouse served about 222 individuals per year and reported roughly 110 successful graduates annually, which she said represents a sustained completion rate of about 63.6% across a multi-year period. (Vanessa Smith)
Smith cited program outcomes she described as measurable: roughly 2,200 individuals enrolled over 2016–2026 and about 1,400 graduates (figures as presented), with a subset entering recovery leadership roles and peer-support careers. She said the program is currently funded primarily by private donations, with some grants from the Raleigh County Commission and pending work on a Beckley city grant. Smith described a Pay It Forward scholarship model to support vocational training and said the program uses WIOA and GI approvals where possible for participant supports.
Committee members praised the testimony and asked about funding and program expansion. A junior senator asked how the program is funded; Smith said private donations are the primary source and described efforts to pursue grants and sustainable funding, noting the program is tight on resources. Lawmakers encouraged Smith to meet with legislators and agency leaders to explore revenue sources and scaling options.
The committee took no formal action; members ended the meeting by thanking witnesses and adjourning.
