The Winamac Town Council members heard a request from Leeann Wright, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, during their recent meeting concerning the town’s Opioid Restricted Fund.
She asked the Winamac Town Council to pledge the town’s Opioid Restricted Funds toward the Recovery Cafe to help continue the financial support of the organization as it fits the criteria of the federal funding requirements for the distribution of the money. There is an annual distribution of funding for the next 20 years.
She stated that the Community Foundation of Pulaski County has focused on addressing substance misuse issues in Pulaski County as part of the strategic plan. As part of that plan, the Foundation worked to set up and organize the Recovery Cafe of Pulaski County.
Brandon Williams is the executive director of the Recovery Cafe and said the 501(c)(3) organization at 127 E. Pearl Street in Winamac operates on grants and donations and is currently set for the next two years with funding with a search for more funding to keep the organization in operation. The organization is led completely on a volunteer basis.
The Recovery Cafe is an emerging member of the Recovery Cafe Network, a national organization committed to serving people who have experienced trauma and the results of trauma, such as homelessness, substance use disorder, addiction, and other mental health challenges. Williams told the council members that this is done through peer-led “Recovery Circles”.
“Currently, the Recovery Cafe is hosting a Circle on Friday and Monday evenings,” explained Williams. “The Circle is a group setting where members discuss struggles and celebrate victories. Along with those meetings we’ll have a meal each meeting that we have. This new organization not only helps the Cafe members but their families too. The establishment of the Recovery Cafe is an encouraging step to break the cycle of addiction in our community.”
The Recovery Cafe started with two individuals in April and has grown to over 20 attending weekly meetings.
Clerk-Treasurer Kendra Craft said the town’s Opioid Restricted funds go through the county as it is a small amount. There is $700 in Unrestricted Opioid funds at this time. The council tabled the request to look into it and to ensure a full membership present to vote on the request.
