Child advocacy centers, recovery housing, and diversion programs across West Virginia are set to benefit from a significant funding initiative as part of the initial distribution of $10.4 million from opioid settlement funds. This comes in response to the ongoing opioid crisis in a state that has the highest overdose rate in the country.
The West Virginia First Foundation announced on Monday that funding will be allocated to 38 different programs spanning six regions of the state. Executive Director Jonathan Board emphasized that this funding marks an essential advancement in tackling the epidemic with both urgency and compassion.
These grants were selected from a total of 174 proposals submitted for consideration. The foundation is offering this initial round of about $19.2 million in funding, and officials have indicated their intention to allocate an additional $8.8 million in follow-up awards to programs that were not selected this time but are encouraged to refine their applications and reapply.
Among the recipients, 11 organizations will receive funding aimed at youth substance use prevention and workforce development. The largest allocation of funds — totaling $442,800 — will support Seed Sower, Inc. in several southern counties in West Virginia, including Fayette and Monroe, among others. Additionally, ten county commissions and local police departments will receive grants for initiatives designed to assist individuals in steering clear of the criminal justice system, with the Berkeley County Diversion and Interdiction Project receiving the largest amount of approximately $625,650.
Funding will also enhance access to transitional and recovery housing, with Southern WV Fellowship Home, Inc. being awarded the most substantial share of $658,800. Furthermore, ten child advocacy centers throughout the state will receive financial support; notably, the North Star Child Advocacy Center in Parkersburg will gain $720,000 to expand its services.
Matt Harvey, chair of the foundation’s board and Jefferson County’s prosecuting attorney, remarked on the importance of the timing of this funding, particularly as the holiday season can present challenges for many. He indicated that this initiative signifies a message of hope, recovery, and progress for communities in West Virginia.
In total, officials from 55 counties in West Virginia have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining how the funds will be managed through the West Virginia First Foundation. This agreement received approval from the state Legislature and Governor Jim Justice earlier this year.
As per the agreement, the foundation is tasked with distributing nearly three-quarters of the settlement funds, with approximately a quarter allocated directly to local communities and 3% set aside in trust. Payments from the settlement agreements will occur on a staggered timeline, with annual distributions expected to last until at least 2036. Over the next five years, the private foundation alone is anticipated to receive around $367 million.
