CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced nearly $1.5 million in funding for four initiatives aimed at helping individuals recovering from substance use disorders overcome employment barriers and return to the workforce.
The $1,486,500 in funding includes $1,236,500 through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and $250,000 through West Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
The funding will support recovery services, workforce training, transportation assistance, housing support, and employment opportunities across the state, including several counties in southern West Virginia.
“West Virginia has fought a long and difficult battle against substance abuse, and we cannot afford to lose another generation to addiction,” said Governor Morrisey. “Recovery means giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives. When we help someone get healthier, develop new skills, and find meaningful employment, we’re strengthening families and giving more West Virginians a chance to build a better future.”
Among the recipients is the Williamson Health & Wellness Center in Mingo County, which will receive $250,000 to expand its New Heights recovery-to-work program.
The program will connect adults recovering from substance use disorders with mobile peer recovery coaches, job training, transportation assistance, and local employers. The goal is to help participants secure employment and maintain long-term recovery.
The West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps will receive $237,000 for its SERVE initiative, which will operate in Nicholas, Fayette, Kanawha, Mason, Raleigh, and Webster counties.
The initiative will provide workforce readiness training, industry-recognized certifications, and hands-on construction experience for approximately 45 individuals in recovery.
Participants will gain experience through home repair and community development projects while receiving assistance connecting with employment and apprenticeship opportunities.
The Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative will receive $499,500 for its DRIVE initiative, which is designed to address transportation barriers that prevent individuals in recovery from obtaining or maintaining employment.
The program will provide vehicle repair assistance, expanded vehicle donation services, commercial driver’s license training, and additional workforce support.
Working with organizations including Mountain State Jobs & Hope, the West Virginia Military Authority, Good News Mountaineer Garage, and WorkForce West Virginia, the initiative is expected to serve approximately 220 workers and trainees across all 55 West Virginia counties.
The United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties will receive $500,000 for its RecoveryWorks Appalachia program.
The initiative will serve approximately 100 individuals facing substance use disorders and other employment barriers through recovery support, housing assistance, job training, and paid work experience.
Its Work Bank program will provide transitional employment opportunities, with a goal of helping 70 to 75 participants enter employment or advanced training.
According to the governor’s office, the investments are intended to complement the state’s Mountain State Jobs & Hope initiative and broader efforts to improve health outcomes and workforce participation.
The Morrisey administration says addressing health challenges and other barriers to employment is an important part of preparing more West Virginians to participate in the state’s economy.
“We’re seeing tremendous economic opportunities across West Virginia, and we need more people ready and able to fill those jobs,” said Governor Morrisey. “Better health leads to greater workforce participation, and greater workforce participation strengthens our economy. These investments will help people overcome addiction, earn a paycheck, support their families, and take part in West Virginia’s economic growth.”
The governor’s office also reported that West Virginia has announced approximately $96 billion in private-sector investment since October 2025, representing more than 19,000 projected jobs.
The four funded initiatives will work with recovery organizations, healthcare providers, workforce development agencies, and employers to help participants find and maintain employment while addressing challenges that can interfere with long-term recovery.
