Yesterday afternoon State Representative Rob Matzie announced that a federally-funded Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant will support services such as: vocational assessments, resume writing, interviewing skills, job placement and transportation related to employment.

Matzie said  county residents struggling with the opioid use disorder will benefit, and that the disorder has robbed decent, hardworking people of formerly productive lives. “So many want to simply to get back on their feet and recover their independence.” He added, “with the funding, we can offer them skills and resources  they need to take that first and most important step-gainful employment.”

Life’s Work of Western PA will use the grant which is part of a $2 million  in SAMHA  funding to 14 organizations statewide to provide services to those struggling with the opioid use disorder in Beaver, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Fayette and Greene counties.  Matzie said the grants are administered by the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.