Craig Howell LEARNING ABOUT SERVICES – Those attending Tuesday's meeting of the Brooke County Commission heard about services provided by Empower and Link Inc., which is among the groups applying for a portion of the county's opioid settlement funds. Taking part in the presentation are, from left, Founder and CEO Wuela Heceta; Rita Blake, a recipient of the group's services; and board members Lauren Kotz and Lisa Hawrot. Brooke County Commissioner Stacey Wise also is pictured at far left.

WELLSBURG – Brooke County officials heard Tuesday from an advocacy organization working to close the gaps in service for those in recovery or experiencing other issues.

Empower and Link Inc. is among the groups requesting a portion of the county’s opioid settlement funds, having submitted an application seeking $374,015 to support its programs. Representatives of the organization addressed the Brooke County Commission and others in attendance during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

“We’ve been providing services since January,” explained Wuela Heceta, founder and CEO.

The organization has purchased the Christ Episcopal Church property on Main Street in Wellsburg and plans to renovate the church and fellowship hall to better provide services in the area. Heceta said the funding request would help cover renovation expenses, as well as personnel and related costs, if approved.

Heceta said the organization has provided assistance — including housing and utility support, food and transportation — to 167 people over the last several months, with services funded through community donations.

Board member Lauren Kotz, who has been in active recovery for six years, said one of her primary goals with the organization is to help reduce overdoses and educate the community on issues involving substance use and recovery.

“You can’t see past the next day,” Kotz said of those going through the recovery process.

She said she wants to provide guidance and support while helping connect people in need with available resources.

Board member Lisa Hawrot noted substance use issues are often involved in foster care cases. She explained Empower and Link works to provide both proactive and reactive services in an effort to help individuals and families remain independent whenever possible.

“We want to work on both ends,” she said.

Those in attendance also heard from Rita Blake, who described her own experiences with addiction. Blake said she stopped using heroin several years ago, but it took the death of a loved one and her struggles with grief to realize she still had work to do.

“I am finally picking up the pieces and finding out who I am,” Blake said, explaining families are not always able to understand what someone is going through.

The organization offers assistance with housing stability, legal aid and advocacy, behavioral health referrals and counseling connections, support for job interviews, life skills training and other services.

Empower and Link is one of several organizations seeking a share of the county’s opioid settlement funds, which are provided through a memorandum of understanding with the West Virginia First Foundation.

Commissioner Tom Diserio, responding to a question from a resident in attendance about why none of the county’s funds have been distributed, said the county continues to receive applications.

“The projects are still coming in,” he said.

County Prosecutor Allison Cowden said she has been asked to review two applications to ensure they meet the requirements of the state memorandum of understanding and would be willing to do the same for additional applications. However, she noted the process involves significant detail.

“It’s complicated,” she said, adding applications must include evidence-based information and statistics demonstrating the potential benefits of funding a program. “It’s going to be a lengthy process.”

County Clerk Kimberly Barbetta said her bookkeeping staff will be responsible for tracking any awards to ensure the funds are used appropriately.