By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
The shared goal of three local women — each impacted by addiction in different ways — takes shape. Community Partners for Recovery has found its home in Glasgow at 112 B Ensminger Drive.
The trio said they are thrilled to move into the new location, which, fortunately, will not require any reconstruction or remodeling.
Co-founder Libby Short explained that the nonprofit is currently training staff with the goal of beginning client services sometime in May.
“The number one requirement for an employee is that they need to be someone who is in long-term recovery themselves,” Short said. “It’s about that shared experience, and also, they are a demographic that has a harder time finding a job.”
She added that the recovery center aims to be a “one-stop shop,” offering a variety of programs ranging from art to horticulture therapy. This will not only benefit those seeking support but also give people in long-term recovery an opportunity to find meaningful employment free from the stigma of addiction.
The center gained momentum after the group received a $185,317 grant from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Committee—a gamechanger for the fledgling organization.
“We were ecstatic to receive notification that we were awarded the grant,” Short said. She also noted that the Tennessee Valley Authority had contributed $7,000 to support the group’s efforts. “We actually met someone from TVA today, and he was very intrigued with what we’re doing—very supportive,” added AK Murrey, another founder.
Since its inception, the group has seen an outpouring of support from the local community, from residents volunteering their time to leaders asking how they can help strengthen the nonprofit.
“We went in front of the [Barren County] Fiscal Court, and the magistrates spoke up on our behalf,” Murrey said. “The judge asked, ‘What can we do for you?’ The city has also been so supportive.”
Short described the support as “overwhelming,” citing private donations from local churches and individuals, commenting they are “ right on track.”.
On May 24, the group will host its first fundraiser, the “Epic Awards,” at the Cave Area Conference Center. The event’s name comes from 10 awards that will be presented by 10 sponsoring businesses. Each business will choose its own award recipient, and participants are encouraged to “roast” the winners.
“We told them to be nice,” Short laughed.
The event will feature live music from Tyrone Dunn and Kinfolk. Individual tickets are priced at $69, with table seating for eight available for $500. All proceeds will benefit the recovery organization directly.
“It has been just like a whirlwind,” Short said. “I want to give a special ‘thank you’ to the county, and to Gary Somerville and Matt Pedigo with BRADD.”
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