Grand Summit tells Santa Fe finance committee it can quickly open recovery, workforce program but asks for local support

Grand Summit Recovery and Workforce Development told the Santa Fe Finance Committee on May 15 that it is prepared to expand into Santa Fe with an intensive outpatient recovery program paired with workforce-development training.

The presenter said the Albuquerque-based program currently has about 230 clients enrolled, 90 full-time staff and a roughly 500-person waitlist from Albuquerque and surrounding areas. A recent client survey the group cited found that roughly 70% of respondents were born in New Mexico; 81% reported a career goal; 25% were employed at the time of the survey; and the organization reported 24 clients had moved into permanent housing since the program's opening about a year and a half ago.

Grand Summit described a two-phase model: a mandatory intensive outpatient program (five weekdays of morning programming) followed by a workforce-development phase offering short-term certificates and trainings. The presenter said partners include CNM Ingenuity and Southwest Educational Partners and that planned offerings include culinary, CDL, welding and other short certification programs.

On clinical intake, the presenter said the organization uses ASAM screening (a pre-screen by phone and a clinical assessment of approximately 15 minutes) to decide whether clients are appropriate for outpatient services or need referral to inpatient detox or hospital care. The group also said it employs a clinical team including five therapists, a physician and an independently licensed nurse practitioner.

Councilors pressed on capacity and neighborhood impacts. In response to concern that residents will label any new site a "homeless shelter," the presenter said Grand Summit does not accept walk-ins, requires a referral and vets clients before placement, maintains quiet hours, uses peer-support security trained in de-escalation, and conducts site beautification. The presenter added that some neighbors at existing facilities have hired clients and that there is no cost to individuals who enroll.

On financing, the presenter said Grand Summit is reimbursed by Medicaid and private insurers but does not currently receive capital funding from state or city governments; it asked the council for support and local approval to move forward with site planning. The presenter said the organization could stand up a program for about 15 people within a month if permitted and predicted rapid demand for a larger facility (they said a 50-bed facility would likely fill quickly).

Senator Ortiz Pino, whom the chair had recognized, praised the program and described attending a recent graduation; council members expressed support and interest in further engagement. The chair encouraged Grand Summit to reach out to council offices and the city to outline specific needs and next steps.

The finance committee did not take any formal action on an appropriation or approval during the meeting; council members asked staff to continue discussions with the presenter and offered to help identify potential local partners and sites.