CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Each step in a person’s recovery from addiction is crucial.
The Bridge of Hope Fund is a scholarship opportunity for a person in addiction recovery who is interested in contributing back to society by pursuing training or an education program.
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation and Fruth Pharmacy announced Friday a Bridge of Hope Contribution of $20,000.
“With the drug abuse problem being so prevalent in our community, it seemed like an innovative way to help people who wanted to get their life back on track or people who wanted to go to school or be able to get a job to support their family.” Lynne Fruth, President and Chairwoman of Fruth Pharmacy, said.
Bridge of Hope is a donor-advised fund at the TGKVF. The fund has awarded 12 scholarships in 2018, totaling $18,000. Fruth and Michelle Foster, President and CEO of TGKVF, made the presentation.
Fruth added that the scholarships not only support job training but can support certifications, college courses or trades and it’s important to help people who have done all the work.
“A lot of people who have been in a substance abuse situation have kind of burned a lot of their bridges,” she said. “They have used up all their abilities to get grants or loans. They find themselves coming out treatment being physically and mentally well, but having limited resources to access the ability to get back into job training, into certification program or an education that will lead to good employment.
“We all know that having meaningful employment and being able to provide for your family, and be a part of the community is the last step of recovery.”
Scholarship applications are reviewed twice a year by the TGKVF with application periods being March 1 to May 15 and September 1 to November 15.
Applicants must be in recovery from addiction, have completed a recovery program and demonstrate good standing in regards to recovery program’s aftercare requirements, and they must actively participate in a mutual aid group or alternative peer support group.
Fruth said there have been plenty of success stories with scholarship recipients, including a recipient who has been in recovery for six years and was recently hired as a high school teacher in Kanawha County Schools.
“What an impact a young man like that can make on our students in high school who are experimenting and thinking about drugs,” she said. “I think he will be a great mentor and role model and show them what they don’t want to do and how he came back from that.”
More information about the Bridge of Hope Fund can be found at the TGKVF website or by contacting Susan Hoover, the Scholarship Program Officer.