County considers $90,000 in donations
LISA HOBBS
News Editor
Warren County’s Opioid Abatement Committee has received several requests for donations.
Members met Tuesday evening and evaluated proposals from Humble Blessings Ministry, Chrysalis Housing & Restoration Foundation (The Butterfly House – McMinnville), Steered Straight, and Peace Journey.
Peace Journey asked for $20,000 in order to serve a minimum of 50 individuals. The organization provides financial assistance so that individuals facing financial barriers can access counseling to address their needs.
“We ensure that financial hardship does not prevent anyone from receiving caring, experienced and professional help. Coaching is grounded in Christian principles and addresses issues of the individual, families and society,” stated in the proposal.
Substance abuse issues are its main focus, with either those using them or those directly affected by their use, so they break the cycles of addition and enabling.
Steered Straight requested $20,000 to support a transportation program designed to assist justice-involved individuals transitioning from incarceration to community-based services. The program provides safe, reliable transportation for individuals traveling from local and regional jails to approved destinations within a 100-mile radius.
“Access to transportation is a critical barrier for individuals reentering society. Without it, many face delays in reaching court-ordered programs, treatment facilities, employment opportunities, or stable housing – factors directly tied to recidivism reduction. This initiative aims to bridge that gap and improve outcomes for participants and the broader community,” stated the proposal.
Chrysalis Housing & Restoration Foundation requested $10,000 for The Butterfly– McMinnville. Those funds would be used to support justice-involved women in Warren County by providing safe, structured transitional housing that reduces recidivism, increases employment, and stabilizes families. The one-time allocation will directly fund housing stabilization and participant support for women referred by Warren County courts, District 31 Public Defender’s Office, and probation and parole.
“The $10,000 will be used to cover: program fees for women who cannot afford initial placement; provide transportation support for court, probation and employment; support case management for high-risk referrals; stabilize housing operations to ensure immediate placement availability,” stated the proposal.
Humble Beginnings Ministries requested $40,000, which is its proposed yearly budget.
“I think they [Humble Beginnings] would be a very good partner to help with our Family Treatment Court because of the things that they offer, such as anger management and just helping people to get integrated back into the community,” said Opioid Abatement Program Director Kee Ford. “When I think about an entity that we could have that’s inside the community that does good things, I like what they do. I see them in court all the time. I’m familiar with them and the work that they do.”
Ford suggested that committee members strongly consider helping that organization in its endeavors.
Humble Beginnings hasn’t been recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization, a tax-exempt nonprofit, by the IRS. The county cannot consider a donation until that distinction has been obtained. President Bridget King says the paperwork will be filed as soon as possible.
Committee members tabled the discussion regarding donations and made no decisions. Before its next meeting, individuals from the other organizations will be invited to attend to answer any questions members might have.