Barren County launches program connecting recovery to careers
GLASGOW, Ky. — A new workforce initiative in Barren County is working to help people in recovery overcome barriers to employment and build pathways toward long-term careers.
The Barren County Economic Authority, in partnership with Community Partners for Recovery, has been awarded a Tennessee Valley Authority Workforce Invest grant to launch the CPR Works Initiative.
The program aims to serve about 20 to 25 people each year during the three-year grant period, with the potential for the grant to be renewed annually.
The initiative is designed for people who are at least 90 days into recovery, including those transitioning from addiction treatment, participating in outpatient recovery or returning to the community after incarceration.
Participants will first complete the Success Life Skills for Recovery program before moving into the CPR Work Success Academy, a 36-hour course focused on employer-based soft skills.
“Once they meet the criteria for the program, they will go through our successful life skills for recovery program,” said Libby Short, executive director of Community Partners for Recovery. “After that, they will move into our CPR Work Success Academy, which is a 36 hour class that’s more employer soft skills based.”
After completing the academy, participants will work with program partners to determine a career pathway and enroll at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College.
Training opportunities may include welding, industrial maintenance, health care, logistics, commercial driving and other skilled trades.
The program will also provide support intended to address barriers that can make it difficult for participants to complete training and enter the workforce. That can include assistance with child care while participants attend school.
Short said the program is designed to go beyond simply helping participants earn a certification.
“We will be paying for them to go to school, get certifications,” Short said. “We have local partners that we will be able to move them into jobs.”
Donte Paul, owner and CEO of Bethesda Wellness and Recovery, said continued recovery support is an important part of helping participants succeed once they enter the workforce.
Paul said people in recovery can have opportunities in front of them but may struggle to maintain those opportunities without the skills and support needed to manage triggers, cravings and other challenges.
The CPR Works Initiative will provide weekly recovery coaching as participants continue through their education and career pathways.
The program brings together recovery services, education, workforce organizations and local employers with the goal of connecting participants to sustainable employment while also addressing workforce needs in Barren County.
The Workforce Invest grant is part of a TVA Economic Development program that supports workforce training and education initiatives across the Tennessee Valley.
