State directs $1.5 million to four workforce recovery programs

Charleston, W.Va. Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the distribution of $1,486,500 to four organizations on Monday. The funding is designed to assist individuals recovering from substance use disorders in finding and keeping jobs. The money comes from two state and federal sources: $1,236,500 from the Appalachian Regional Commission and $250,000 from the Rural Health Transformation Program.

United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties received the largest share at $500,000. The organization will operate the RecoveryWorks Appalachia program to serve 100 individuals. Services include housing assistance, job training, and paid work experience. The program aims to help 70 to 75 participants enter employment or advanced training through a transitional employment component called the Work Bank.

Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative will receive $499,500 for the DRIVE initiative. This program addresses transportation barriers by offering vehicle repair assistance, expanded vehicle donation services, and commercial driver’s license training. The initiative will serve approximately 220 workers and trainees across all 55 counties. It operates in partnership with Mountain State Jobs & Hope, the West Virginia Military Authority, Good News Mountaineer Garage, and WorkForce West Virginia.

Williamson Health & Wellness Center in Mingo County was awarded $250,000. The grant will expand the center’s New Heights recovery-to-work program. The expansion adds mobile peer recovery coaches, job training, and transportation assistance. The program also establishes partnerships with local employers to support long-term job retention for adults in recovery.

The West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps will use $237,000 for the SERVE initiative. This program provides workforce readiness training, industry-recognized certifications, and hands-on construction experience for approximately 45 individuals. It serves residents in Nicholas, Fayette, Kanawha, Mason, Raleigh, and Webster counties. Participants will gain experience through home repair and community development projects.

Governor Morrisey stated that the state cannot afford to lose another generation to addiction. He noted that better health leads to greater workforce participation. The administration cited recent economic data to support the investments. Since October 2025, West Virginia has announced approximately $96 billion in private-sector investment representing more than 19,000 projected jobs. The tourism industry generates $9.4 billion in economic impact and supports more than 61,000 jobs.

The state’s tourism sector also welcomes approximately 80 million visitors annually. The new awards complement the Mountain State Jobs & Hope initiative. The programs will work with recovery organizations, healthcare providers, and employers to help participants secure employment. The press release notes that the Rural Health Transformation Program portion is supported by a federal financial assistance award of $199,476,098.72 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.