Rep. McNally Announces $500,000 in Funding for Recovery Support for Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries Inc.

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced that Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries Inc. will receive $500,000 to provide general job readiness and industry specific workforce training for those in recovery. This opportunity comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) “Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems” (INSPIRE) initiative, which helps to connect people in recovery to workforce training, career opportunities and wraparound supports to help them succeed.

“I am proud of the work that the Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries Inc. is doing and their focus on helping train and support employees who are in recovery. Having stable employment is a vital part of getting back on your feet and continuing to be successful in recovery,” said Rep. McNally.

The total funding for INSPIRE is $11 million; this money funded 32 projects in nine states. Ohio receiving the highest total amount at $2.1 million. INSPIRE is one of the many programs trying to address the substance use disorder crisis in the Appalachian region of the United States. The projects are intended to expand workforce training and career pathways; strengthen recovery ecosystems; develop workforce pipeline programs for in-demand fields such as health care; and support new research to better connect recovery housing to workforce needs. The Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries Inc.’s project will help residents in Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbell counties.

To learn more about the INSPIRE program, click here.