Lexington, KY – Today, Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) joined Shepherd’s House President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jerod Thomas to announce a grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program totaling $$433,903.
The DOJ program offers grants aimed at providing a comprehensive response to assist in the transition individuals make from prison, jail or juvenile residential facilities to the community. Shepherd’s House has over three decades of experience providing multiple recovery programs to rehabilitate dozens of recovering addicts per year.
“I was honored to support this grant and I applaud the Department of Justice for awarding these funds to Shepherd’s House, an organization I have been a strong advocate for. Unfortunately, in the Sixth District many have experienced or seen the affects substance use disorder, and the rehabilitation services Shepherd’s House offers are a tremendous and necessary asset to our community,” said Congressman Barr. “Their transition services are top-notch and have helped so many realize their God-given potential and get their lives back on track. I will continue supporting the work of organizations like Shepherd’s House in Congress to overcome the opioid epidemic here in the Commonwealth and throughout our country.”
“This is a transformational grant for the Shepherd’s House,” said Jerod Thomas. “I want to thank Congressman Barr for his support throughout the grant process as well as his steadfast advocacy of opioid treatment resources for our community as our Representative in Congress. I know he will continue to stand in our corner going forward.”
Congressman Barr’s office assisted Shepherd’s House during the grant application process and advocated on their behalf through a letter of support to the DOJ as part of their application. Congressman Barr is a longstanding supporter of allocating resources for rehabilitation efforts to treat Americans with substance abuse issues. Additionally, Congressman Barr supported the First Step Act (FSA), the most significant criminal justice reform bill in a generation when it passed Congress in 2018.