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Nonprofit proposes six-month re-entry and recovery pilot to serve 25–30 adults; council asks about housing and funding
Summary
William Clarkson of Randolph County Re-entry and Recovery Services asked Winchester City Council to support a six-month pilot offering case management, peer recovery coaching and employment help for about 25–30 people returning from incarceration; councilors and a probation officer pressed for details on housing, restricted opioid funds and partnerships.
William Clarkson, founder and executive director of Randolph County Re-entry and Recovery Services, told the council he is launching a pilot re-entry and recovery support program to help adults returning from incarceration or on probation sustain long-term recovery.
"Tonight, I'm here to introduce our new pilot re-entry and recovery support program and invite the city council to partner with us," Clarkson said. He described services that will include intake and assessment, individualized case management, peer recovery coaching, relapse-prevention education, employment-readiness assistance, transportation support and connections to treatment providers.
Clarkson said the pilot would initially serve "approximately 25 to 30 adults" and operate for six months, staffed initially by a case manager while Clarkson focuses on referrals and grant-writing. He asked the council to (1) create referral pathways with city departments and public-safety agencies, (2) help expand community awareness through city communications, (3) facilitate introductions to employers and providers, and (4) collaborate on grant opportunities and sustainable funding.
Council members praised the concept but raised practical concerns. Members asked whether Clarkson had partnered with mental-health centers and how the program would address housing for participants living on the street. A probation officer, Lena Medler, testified that she has worked with Clarkson for years and urged the council to consider available opioid-related funding but warned that "treatment" funds at the state level are highly restricted.
Clarkson said he will operate the pilot out of temporary space at the local food pantry until funding permits a permanent location, and said he has been talking with probation and corrections officials to build referral pathways. The council agreed to meet with Clarkson next week to review program details and determine whether county or city resources, including restricted opioid dollars, could be directed to the effort if uses align with legal restrictions.
No formal council funding vote occurred at the meeting; members asked Clarkson to return with more detailed budget, referral and eligibility plans.
