MONTGOMERY –A non-profit organization that helps people overcome drug and alcohol addiction and lead productive lives plans to build a new facility for its recovery and job training programs with funding from a $1 million grant announced by Gov. Kay Ivey.
The funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will support the construction of an 11,400-square-foot facility that will enable The Foundry Ministries to consolidate and expand its addiction recovery and job training programs at the Foundry Farm in Cullman. The full-time, extended-care program offers counseling, case management, education, employment readiness and aftercare services to people in recovery from addiction.
“The Foundry Farm has long been a lifeline for people striving to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives,” Gov. Ivey said. “The job training program gives people a new lease on life and boosts the area’s economy by increasing the workforce ranks. I am pleased to announce this grant, which will allow more people to participate in this beneficial program.”
The new multi-purpose building will be constructed on County Road 1676 in Cullman at the current site of The Foundry Farm. The new construction will allow The Foundry Ministries to vacate a dilapidated building currently being used as a dining hall and house all its programs in one facility, organization leaders said. The new building will feature classroom space, office space, a large service area, a recreational area, a kitchen and a dining area.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“The expansion of this program means more people struggling with addiction will have access to these services. In addition, businesses can look forward to having more workers to fill the plentiful job openings in the area,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in partnership with ARC for funding of this project.”
Gov. Ivey notified Micah Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundry Ministries, that the grant had been approved. The city of Cullman will contribute an additional $1 million to the project.
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Cullman County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
