Valley Oaks seeks county support for peer recovery specialist; commissioners approve $20,000

Valley Oaks representatives on Feb. 17 asked Jasper County commissioners to support a local peer recovery specialist to provide outreach, home visits and jail/corrections engagement for people with substance-use disorder.

Probation director Mike Spangler introduced the proposal and said the initiative has backing from the sheriff and Community Corrections. Autumn Smolenski, representing Valley Oaks, described the position as a lived-experience coach who can "bridge gaps" between clinical services and people in crisis. "Kathy comes with experience, lived experience and background in the position itself," Smolenski said.

Valley Oaks said Crawfordsville previously received $20,000 in county funding as it scaled a similar program and recommended $20,000 as a feasible first-year award. Commissioners asked Valley Oaks to submit a formal letter on agency letterhead specifying the amount requested and the program budget. They also asked for quarterly fiscal and program updates so the board can track outcomes.

Commissioner Craig Standish moved to approve $20,000 from the Opioid Restricted Fund to Valley Oaks for a peer coach; Commissioner Ryan Hilton seconded and the motion carried. Commissioners discussed that the county award would supplement Valley Oaks’ staffing (the peer would be an employee of Valley Oaks) and that the program intends to expand over multiple years—Valley Oaks described a five-year plan to grow to five peer specialists.