Yesterday, the Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board approved $2,221,219 for five substance abuse treatment programs. The largest allocation was $755,000 for Ministry Village at Olive, which will fund housing for women in its recovery program, Charis House.
From its application: “The Charis House, one of our subsidiary ministries, stands out as a 12-month residential recovery program for women in our community. What sets us apart is that we are the only program in our community that does not require an intake fee, a crucial factor in providing new hope to the most vulnerable women. However, our three current facilities are insufficient, need costly repairs, lack capacity availability, and desperately need a $755.000 expansion.”
Board member Tommy White had doubts about the Ministry Village’s request but changed his mind. “After speaking with you and understanding exactly how you operate and exactly what your experience is, I would vote for you to do that, but what I would ask you to be is engaged in this process. Anybody that’s come in to ask for this substantial amount of funding, we need to see you. We need to know what’s going on.”
| Community Health NWFL | Expand CORE program | $ 500,000 |
| Lakeview Center OPUS | Adult Substance Abuse | $ 349,077 |
| Ministry Village at Olive | Housing women in recovery | $ 775,000 |
| Waterfront Mission | Housing men in recovery | $ 338,878 |
| Lakeview Center CAT | Adolescent Substance Abuse | $ 258,264 |
| $ 2,221,219 |
The board was impressed by the L.E.A.D. Inc. proposal ($103,972.55) to provide law enforcement training for school resource officers to educate children in grades K-12. However, they wanted the organizers to get buy-in from local agencies and approval from the Escambia County School Board.
“I would make a recommendation that L.E.A.D. come back and apply for funding in June once they know that they can get the approval from the school board and that they also have a direct contact connection specifically with Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Pensacola Police Department.” said chair Catherine White. “I feel like those are the key things that need to be in place before you request for funding.”
REAP (ReEntry Alliance Pensacola) asked for $302,100 for its services for individuals released from jail and found no support on the board. White recommended to its leaders, “Do what you say you’re going to do, bring some results because what you’re saying is you need funding to get these people in place to start up your addiction care.”
The other board members present for the meeting were retired Pensacola Police Chief John Mathis and FDLE Special Agent Matt Infinger.