By GAGE WILSON
For Glasgow News 1
Before they ever received a dollar in grant funding, Community Partners for Recovery opened their doors, and the community walked in. Just two months later, the Barren County nonprofit has served more than 60 clients and now finds itself with new wind at its back with the first installment of a $185,317 grant from the Barren County Fiscal Court.
“We received that first payment in July, and the second will be in January,” said executive director Libby Short. She explained that the initial $92,685 will go toward covering operational expenses for the year.
The center didn’t wait on funding to get to work. Since opening in mid-May, it is becoming a hub for individuals seeking help with substance use recovery. Short credits the center’s early momentum to strong community support.
“That was honestly due to the overwhelming support from the community,” she said.
While most clients currently come from Barren County, the center is beginning to draw people from neighboring areas, including Hart County.
“When they walk through our doors they get a warm welcome,” said programs director Christy Wall. “Once they come in here with the care and love that they get, they realize that they’re in a safe space, a non-judgmental environment.”
Short echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of honesty and openness from clients. “Just be frank with us,” she said.
Getting started is simple: prospective clients provide basic information and meet with a recovery coach to assess their needs. From there, the center helps them chart a path forward.
While Community Partners for Recovery hosts traditional Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, it also offers alternatives — part of its mission to “meet people where they are.”
One such program is SMART Recovery, which Short finds particularly promising.
“It stands for Self Management And Recovery Training,” she explained. “It’s more about utilizing rational and emotive behavior as well as cognitive behavior.”
The four-point program isn’t limited to those battling addiction. Starting next week, SMART will be available for friends and family members of individuals in recovery, helping them understand how to offer support without enabling.
As Short put it, “Loving them without loving them to death.”
There will be a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting on Aug. 11.
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