HISTORY OF
R.E.A.C.H. CABELL COUNTY
R.E.A.C.H. Cabell County is an
initiative birthed from the experience of Attorney Tim Robinson, Executive
Director of Odyssey Centers, a referral office in Louisa, KY. Upon opening a long-term Christian recovery
center for women, he realized how helpful it would be if there was one office
someone could call for help regarding substance abuse and alcohol treatment.
In late 2010, the idea was
brought to Pastor Mike Greider, Mission Tri-State Director and Tim White,
Program Director of Weed and Seed in Huntington, WV. They saw the benefit of
this innovative approach and agreed to co-host the initiative. The Executive
Director, Laura Gilliam and Finance Director, David Carter, of United Way of
the River Cities agreed to be the fiscal sponsor. Alanna Garden was brought on as the
Coordinator and an office was opened in the Douglass Centre.
Developing a referral system
and connecting local resources became the focus for this project operating with
the acronym of REACH: Residential Placement, Early Intervention, Aftercare Services, Creation/Coordination of Vouchers, and Housing Development.
Since that time REACH Cabell
County has incorporated as REACH WV, Inc. and offers these programs:
Residential
Treatment: referrals are made to
detox centers, residential facilities, traditional 12-step groups, faith-based
groups, etc. for individuals needing help as well as their families.
Early Intervention: a 6 month outpatient Alternative Sentencing
program with high accountability has been approved by the Cabell County court
system for individuals facing jail time.
Aftercare Services: an outpatient program for individuals after probation, parole, incarceration,
residential treatment. (in the proposal stage with state officials)
Creation/Coordination of Vouchers: a voucher program (modeled after the Unite Program in KY) providing
$3,000-$5,000 for an individual to go to an approved residential treatment
facility. (in the proposal stage with state and government officials)
Housing Development: emergency, temporary and permanent housing
for individuals in recovery (in development)
The response has been
notable. Individuals from agencies
providing treatment and recovery, as well as those from the faith community, are actively involved on the boards and in committees. An Executive Board and an Advisory Board meet
once a month. Volunteers with a broad
range of experience continue to help build services. Individuals from AA, NA,
clinical agencies, the faith community, etc. are very involved. Some volunteers are trained as Peer Support
Mentors and others lead small faith-based groups (including 12 Step) in local
churches. Others help in the office,
with publicity, training, events, etc.
The local drug crisis brings us
together in agreement that a referral office operating as a one-stop-shop simplifying
the process of getting help adds a helpful dimension to a system overloaded
with families in need. One phone call
will open the door to clinical and faith-based resources in the tri-state and
surrounding areas.
It is evident by the positive
response that now is the time to add this aspect of hope to our efforts against
the war on drugs being played out before us.
Individuals now have a place to call that connects them to the help they
need to rebuild their lives and live a life of recovery.
YOU ARE NOT
ALONE!
304-523-HELP
 |
Alanna Garden
Coordinator
REACH Cabell County
|
REACH Executive Board Members
Mike Greider, Director, Mission Tri-State, Chairman, REACH Cabell County
Tim White, Regional Prevention Coordinator, Vice-Chairman, REACH Cabell County
Anne McGee, Community Volunteeer
Laura Gilliam, Exective Director, United Way of the River Cities
Kevin West, Executive Pastor, Christ Temple Church
Darrell Buttram, Pastor, 10th Ave. Church of God
Bill Smith, Superintendent of Schools, Cabell County
Tim Robinson, Consultant, CEO, Odyssey Center
Bill Dotson, Executive Director, Huntington Housing Authority
Christopher Dean, Regional Director, Western Regional Day Report
