Kentucky is far too familiar with the devastating impacts of substance abuse that touches every one of our lives across all demographics and regions. To increase Lexington’s efforts to help those in recovery, Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) joined Voices of Hope and Chrysalis House in Lexington today to announce the awarding of a $129,120 grant for Voices of Hope and a $299,740 grant for Chrysalis House.
Voices of Hope will use this grant to support its new community center, opening in November, which will be a hub for its recovery programs and services. Chrysalis House will use this grant to expand their residential substance abuse treatment centers by establishing a new facility for pregnant or postpartum women and their children.
“To achieve long-term progress in the fight against substance abuse, it’s important to no longer simply focus on prevention and enforcement, but also expand treatment recovery options for Kentucky’s families and communities,” said Congressman Barr. “I have been proud to support organizations like Voices of Hope and Chrysalis House as they provide crucial resources to Kentuckians in their goal to live a life free from addiction. I applaud the dedication of these not-for-profits in securing this grant and I look forward to the great services they will provide to those overcoming addiction in Central Kentucky.”
Voices of Hope President Shelley Elswick said, “This grant for recovery support services shows that we are not just fighting against addiction, we are fighting for people with substance use disorders. The funded programs will improve the lives of those in recovery by reducing barriers to recovery, providing social support, and reducing stigma. Voice of Hope is grateful to Congressman Barr for convening a Recovery Working Group that has not only allowed area non-profits to connect and collaborate, but to have an advocate for grant funding for our community.”
“Congressman Andy Barr recognizes the needs of pregnant and parenting women struggling with substance use disorders and we are grateful for his continued support and leadership,” said Lisa Minton, Chrysalis House Executive Director. “As Chrysalis House celebrates 40 years of saving lives, we are excited to open our fourth residential treatment facility for women and their babies. Chrysalis House helps women in recovery achieve healthy pregnancies and learn to be mothers to their children. Any family which has suffered with the pain of addiction knows that the role of the mother is key to a healthy, productive family life. Investing in a mother is investing in a family and investing in a family is investing in a community.”
Congressman Barr has been a champion of supporting transitional housing models and successfully passed legislation this year to boost services so those suffering from addiction can maintain sobriety and receive the valuable skills needed to transition back into society to lead independent lives. Additionally, last year, Congressman Barr secured a $2.62 million grant for Chrysalis House to expand its substance abuse treatment services for low-income, pregnant or postpartum women and their children, and provide outpatient services for children, such as counseling.
In 2016, Congressman Barr supported the 21st Century Cures Act, which authorized record levels of funding to states on the front lines of this substance abuse crisis and established the State Targeted Response (STR) grant program.
Kentucky was awarded over $10 million through the STR grant program, and this funding was administered by the Governor’s Kentucky Opioid Response Effort board. This fall, Kentucky will receive an additional $31.2 million through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s State Opioid Response Grants authorized in the Bipartisan Budget Act, which Congressman Barr supported earlier this year.