The Launch Pad has been awarded $50,000 by the Appalachian Regional Commission to develop a Regional Recovery-to-Work Ecosystem in Hamilton and surrounding counties. The award is part of a recently announced nearly $11.5 million package through ARC’s Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative, which addresses the region’s substance use disorder crisis with investments that strengthen services in the recovery ecosystem and helps facilitate workforce entry and re-entry.
“I commend The Launch Pad for their work supporting the recovery ecosystem in Appalachian Tennessee.
They are integral to bringing our INSPIRE projects to life,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “The Launch Pad is a great asset in our efforts to address the region’s substance use disorder crisis, and I look forward to seeing how they will help build a strong recovery ecosystem and a stronger workforce for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Shelley Armstrong, The Launch Pad executive director, said, “We are honored to receive this significant grant to assist our women in finding livable wage jobs. By bringing together our key community partners to focus on the development of a Recovery-to-Work ecosystem, we will increase employers’ knowledge of hiring and supporting those in SUD recovery, and identify educational resources committed to serving those in recovery.”
Officials said, "Since INSPIRE was established in April 2021, ARC has invested $53.6 million in 166 projects across 360 Appalachian counties. The nearly $11.5 million package for Fiscal Year 2024 is projected to improve 851 businesses and prepare 6,445 individuals for new opportunities in the workforce."
ARC is expecting to issue a request for proposals for the next round of INSPIRE grant opportunities in early 2025. Additional information and resources are available at www.arc.gov/SUD.