Commissioners approve one year of opioid-settlement salary support for Hope Restored recovery home

Megan Johnston, president of Hope Restored Recovery Home, asked commissioners for opioid settlement funds to support staff at the nonprofit men’s recovery home in North Judson. Johnston said Hope Restored operates a 10-bed residential program with a full-time director and an assistant director and that the organization has served about 60 men since opening in January 2023.

The recovery home initially requested two years of director salary (a $104,000 total request) after the opioid committee recommended two years to strengthen the organization’s financial footing. Commissioners voiced a preference to fund salaries one year at a time and noted the county has no contract tying multi-year salary payments to performance measures. After discussion about timing and reporting, the board approved one year of salary funding—$52,000—from the restricted opioid settlement fund and asked that Hope Restored return before July next year to request additional support if needed.

Commissioners asked about oversight and reporting. Johnston said the organization’s board would oversee the director position and that they would provide invoices to the auditor when funding is requested. Commissioners requested a deliverable or report next year documenting use of funds and program outcomes. The auditor confirmed the restricted opioid balance was sufficient to fund the one-year payment and the motion passed on a voice vote.

Johnston said the money would help stabilize staffing so the nonprofit could focus on recovery services and possibly expand programming for women in the future; commissioners reiterated funding for one year only and requested periodic reporting.