BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – It was an exciting morning at the Raleigh County Commission as they presented their New Direction Grant from opioid settlement funds.
The $50,000 benefits A Broken Spur Riding Academy, Raleigh County United for Prevention, and other projects and programs that address the county’s opioid crisis.
“Today’s a great day that we can put out a little over $1,000,000 and still have money in the bank for next year to take care of people for generations,” Commission President Greg Duckworth said, of wading through processes, procedures, and policies to affect the most people with this grant.
These opioid settlement funds will help A Broken Spur grow and continue its equine-assisted services and therapeutic horsemanship programs.
“We can help individuals with disabilities, whether it be physical, mental, social, or cognitive,” Sarah Dorsey said. “We’re also trying to get the addiction recovery program up and running to help with youth prevention.”
RCUP asked for the county opioid money to support its youth coalition and CADCA’s yearly leadership development conferences.
“We’ve historically just sent staff or volunteers,” said Executive Director Kellie Gunnoe. “But this year, because of this money, we get to send our youth coalition to talk to our federal congress members about what their community needs to thrive and what prevention efforts they’re doing.”
They also asked for the money to support proactive measures within the coalition.
“Schools and programs offering activities and curriculum: Beckley Police Department, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and materials they need to be successful in their prevention efforts,” Gunnoe said. “It’s definitely going to benefit our organization and the community, which is the most important part.”
This New Direction Grant is touching many lives.
“We’re incredibly appreciative,” said Gunnoe. “These things wouldn’t happen without the county commission recognizing the need for prevention, soliciting for youth prevention specifically.”
According to Duckworth, the commission wants to keep its accounts alive with more application processes.
“It moves the needle for everyone — a flattering, humbling position that this commission has an opportunity to get money out the door,” the commission president said, adding that everyone’s been waiting.
