New grant helping addicts in Southside get clean, get jobs locally

Harvest Foundation grant will expand Community Recovery Program

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Chasity Craig has been using the Community Recovery Program's services for about three years.

"Community Recovery has helped me with all types of resources that we have here in Henry County, like STEP, re-entry," Craig explained.

She is a recovering drug addict and now has multiple jobs and a place of her own.

"Without this program, I would be in a world of hurt. My family, my dad, my mom-- they used drugs and drank all their life. So, I hope that one day they decide to come. I've told my sister about it but you've got to be ready," Craig said.

The Community Recovery Program can expand its efforts now, thanks to a two-year $520,033 grant from the Harvest Foundation.

CRP program manager Lisa Smith said most of the money will be used to hire an addiction specialist for the workforce center in Martinsville to help people looking for jobs but who are unable to pass a drug test.

"If it's some occasional drug use here and there, basically nothing that's in the addictive category, then those individuals can go to what is called a motivational-type group for four to six weeks," Smith said.

"They'll go to the group once a week, do some random drug screens, and once they complete the group successfully and they sign their consent, we'll let the employer know that they're now employee-ready."

The specialist will also help get addicts into a recovery program and then connect them with employers after they complete it.

Part of the grant will also be used to renovate a home owned by Piedmont Community Services, the Community Recovery Program's parent organization, for women recovering from substance abuse.

Smith plans to start reaching out to businesses in December.

Craig recommends this opportunity to everyone.

"It's here if people are really wanting it and you're serious about it. Lisa will help you," Craig said.

For more information about the Community Recovery Program's expanded service, contact the program at 276-638-0438.