Grace Street, Chesapeake Charities Receive Funding for New Vehicle

11/14/2024

Category: County Council

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Linda Kohler, Chesapeake Charities, Pete Lesher, Vice President Talbot County Council, Fletch Gowen, Matt Hughlett and John Ireland, Fred Frederick Chrysler

Linda Kohler, Chesapeake Charities, Pete Lesher, Vice President Talbot County Council, Fletch Gowen, Matt Hughlett and John Ireland, Fred Frederick Chrysler

Grace Street, a component fund of Chesapeake Charities, is now able to provide transportation for people in need of substance use support services, thanks to a grant from Talbot County.

Grace Street opened in August 2023 as the Mid-Shore’s sole recovery community organization, which is an independent, peer-led, non-clinical organization that promotes public education and peer-based and other recovery support services, while mobilizing resources within and outside of the recovery community.

“Since Grace Street opened last summer, one of the staff’s biggest challenges has been transportation,” said Linda Kohler, Executive Director of Chesapeake Charities.  “We are grateful for the support of the County, which allowed us to purchase a new vehicle for staff to use to support our clients.”

In July 2024, the Talbot County Council approved the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the amount of $50,000 to Grace Street to support the purchase of a new vehicle. Kohler worked closely with Matt Hughlett and Fletch Gowen at Fred Frederick Chrysler in Easton to secure a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica, which was received by the organization early last week.

Grace Street’s peers will use the vehicle to provide direct linkage to substance use support services, such as inpatient treatment facilities. The peers are individuals with lived experience who can offer support, connection to care and other non-clinical services to people affected by substance use.

The vehicle also will facilitate street outreach, which allows peers to connect with people in the community who are using drugs, or are in need of other support services. Grace Street outreach efforts include distribution of harm reduction supplies, including socks, snacks, hygiene kits and Naloxone.

In its first year, Grace Street peers connected more than 110 people with inpatient treatment and facilitated transportation using a network of State-funded rides, volunteers, and the occasional taxi service. The addition of a dedicated vehicle will remove the challenge of finding transportation in a person’s time of need.

“Transportation is a critical component in the journey to recovery,” said Keasha Haythe, Talbot County Council Member. “By dedicating ARPA funds for this vehicle, we’re making it possible for Grace Street’s dedicated peers to reach individuals where they are, offer vital support, and connect them to lifesaving resources. Talbot County is proud to support this initiative, knowing it will strengthen our community and aid those working toward recovery.”

Grace Street is located at 8262 Ocean Gateway, Suite 1, in Easton but serves anyone on the Mid-Shore. Referrals are not necessary, and services are free. Call or text 443-439-1820 to connect with peer support. Visit www.gracestreetrecovery.org for information or to donate. Chesapeake Charities is a Stevensville-based community foundation with more than 140 funds across nine counties in Maryland.

arpa grace street recovery substance use support services

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