A Grateful Partnership: How the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County Supports Hope Town’s Mission 

For years, Hope Town has stood as a beacon of hope, providing recovery housing, peer support services, and vital resources to individuals battling substance use disorder in Portage County. This wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County. Under the leadership of John Garrity, Ph.D., the Board has been instrumental in ensuring that Hope Town can deliver life-changing services to our community. 

A Vital Connection: How Your Support Makes a Difference 

As Dr. Garrity emphasizes, the community plays a pivotal role in making these services a reality. “Seventy percent of our funding comes from the local county levy,” he explained. “Our community must understand that when they support the levy, their money directly funds organizations like Hope Town. We want taxpayers and voters to make that connection, so they know their contributions are making a tangible impact.” 

Hope Town’s work has flourished with this backing, allowing us to offer more than just recovery housing. We provide long-term support beyond treatment—equipping individuals with life skills, employment opportunities, and transportation, which are critical for sustained recovery. According to Dr. Garrity, the field has evolved significantly in recent years. 

“The field is changing,” he said. “It used to be very treatment and Twelve-Step focused. Now, the whole realm of recovery has emerged, focusing on recovery housing, workforce development, and peer support services. We now know that the longer people can have sustained recovery support, the better their chances at long-term success—and this is where Hope Town excels.” 

Meeting the Need: Hope Town’s Expansion 

Dr. Garrity also spoke to the undeniable need for services in the community, especially as the opioid epidemic continues to impact countless lives. “Here we are, years and years into the opioid epidemic, with all the tragic overdoses and deaths,” he shared. “We know people need services to recover long-term, and we’re so pleased with Hope Town and what you’re doing. There is such a great need.” 

One area that particularly impressed the Board was Hope Town’s focus on transportation and employment services. “You’ve built beautiful housing that feels like a resort for people in recovery,” Dr. Garrity noted. “And now, having a legitimate headquarters where you can train people in recovery to become mechanics is incredible. You’re providing them with a viable skill, which is just one way Hope Town is growing and evolving.” 

Dr. Garrity also emphasized the importance of expanding services to reach underserved areas. “We have so many services concentrated in the northwest corridor of the county. Our goal is always to get more penetration in the east, and Hope Town has helped us fill that service gap. We’re excited and delighted to be a funder, supporting residents and helping make these services available.” 

A Partnership Rooted in Gratitude 

The Mental Health & Recovery Board has provided significant financial support to Hope Town over the years. In addition to one-time funding for the down payment on our building and renovations, they’ve recently set up agreements to fund recovery housing services, peer support services, and recovery rides—ensuring that these vital services can continue to grow and thrive. 

Hope Town’s Chief Executive, Ted St. John, expressed deep gratitude for the partnership with the Board. “We are beyond thankful for the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County,” he said. “Their support has been pivotal in allowing us to expand our services and reach more people in need. We couldn’t do this important work without their belief in our mission and their continued financial investment in the future of recovery for Portage County.” 

A Shared Mission for a Brighter Future 

Hope Town and the Mental Health & Recovery Board share a common goal: to provide individuals in recovery with the support they need to reclaim their lives. We are building a community prioritizing long-term recovery and empowering individuals to live healthy, fulfilling lives. 

As Dr. Garrity said, “We’re excited and delighted to be a funder. We know the work at Hope Town is making a difference, and we’re proud to support it.” 

With their ongoing support, Hope Town continues to change lives, one person at a time.