As we enter a new year, we can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for everything that we’ve been able to achieve as an organization in 2024. With the support of our communities, partner organizations, and YOU we’ve accomplished more than we could have imagined! From assisting with the installation and upkeep of free naloxone boxes in three West Virginia counties, to the everyday work of continuing to build meaningful connections for our housing participants that make recovery stronger, each day brought things to be proud of. We are so thankful for the dedication of our staff and to our supporters for helping us to continue this work.
So what have we been up to this past quarter? We’re glad you asked!
Housing
Housing program participants this quarter: 101 // Total housing program participants in 2024: 212
Funds from the Encova Foundation of West Virginia to Benefit Children of Sober Living Participants
This quarter we were grateful recipients of a $1000 contribution from the Encova Foundation of West Virginia.
“This funding will provide crucial support for the children living in our home along with their mothers,” says Krista White, Director of Recovery Housing at WVSL Solutions. The funding will be used for items such as baby swings, booster seats, outdoor toys, school supplies and books. “These items will help make their stay as comfortable as possible and to support the children along with their mothers as they work to break cycles of substance use disorder.”
Charleston Organizations Help Bring Holiday Cheer to Recovery Housing Participants
Our Charleston Housing participants each received a gift bag thanks to our friends at Community Bridge. We were also able to provide a wonderful holiday meal to our Charleston houses thanks to the generosity of Bream SHOP and Showers.
Peers
Our peers did incredible things this quarter and wrapped up the year with some incredible outreach numbers. Here’s a glimpse at some of the impact our Peers team has had in the state this year:
Liz Neal, 2024 PRSS of the Year!
A huge congratulations to our Charleston Peers Supervisor, Liz, for winning the 2024 Peer Recovery Support Specialist of the year award at the WV Peer Recovery Support Services and Recovery Housing Conference!
Fayette County installs first Free Naloxone Box
Amazing news out of Oak Hill, WV – Fayette County’s first free Naloxone box is now available outside of the Oak Hill Walgreens! Installed in October, we partnered with SOAR, WV , CareSource, the Fayette County Health Department and other community partners to help make this amazing resource available to the community.
Police and Peers Program Success Growing with Support from Moodr Health
The Police and Peers program continues to grow in both scope and effectiveness across the state. With the assistance of Moodr Health, an innovative digital healthcare platform based in Morgantown, WV, a customized system for the Police and Peers program is being implemented to track in real time the journey of an individual who accepts recovery services, and therefore, to better respond to that individual’s needs. This data includes everything from insurance details and housing needs to food insecurity and employment status, all while maintaining strict confidentiality in compliance with federal regulations.
“We know the Police and Peers Program will have even greater impact now with enhanced data collection, tracking, management, reporting, and overall efficiency,” says WVSL Solutions Executive Director Jon Dower.
WVSL Behavioral Health
This quarter our behavioral health team served 50 clients, totaling 100 clients served in 2024!
To help serve even more people, we are currently seeking an additional therapist to add to our team.
This is a full-time hybrid position located in Morgantown, WV.
Position Requirements:
- Completion of a Regionally Accredited Master’s Program in Clinical Field of Study required
- 2+ years of experience in a therapist role preferred § Active participation in acquiring an independent license to perform therapy in West Virginia.
- Provisional License (counselor) or Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) required within 90 days of employment
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) strongly preferred
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) strongly preferred § Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) strongly preferred
- Knowledge of SUD and recovery, including 12-step program principles, is strongly preferred.
- Certification in Addiction Counseling (ADC/AADC) is strongly preferred
- CPR certification is required.
Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
Upcoming Events
Online PRSS training starting January 14th!
WVSLS PRSS Basics Training is a 49-hour Peer Recovery Support Specialist training approved by the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction Prevention Professionals. This training is an excellent opportunity to gain the education hours needed for state certification. We will dive deeply into ethical responsibilities, advocacy & campaigning, wellness & recovery support, and mentoring & education. The training will meet through a Zoom platform for seven consecutive weeks (every Tuesday) from January 14, 2025, to February 25, 2025, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The training will cost $300.00. Need financial assistance? Contact Liz Neal at [email protected] .
You can sign up HERE
Rally for Recovery- Save the Date!
Mark your calendars- our annual Rally for Recovery Golf Tournament will take place on June 14th, 2025. We are currently seeking sponsors for this year’s event! Sponsorship opportunities are available for various tiers- contact Teisha at [email protected] to sponsor today!
2024 by the numbers:
Housing Program Participants: 212 – Peers Interactions: 15,593 – Behavioral Health Clients: 100