Sen. Kaine attends discussion on substance use initiative in Richlands

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) spoke with leaders at the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board to hear about the success of their R.O.P.E.S. program.

The acronym is short for Reengagement Opportunities and Pathways to Employment Success. It helps people recovering from addiction get back on their feet.

“Our R.O.P.E.S. program serves individuals that have been impacted by substance use recovery and re-entry from the justice system,” said Rachel Patton, executive director for the organization.

Part of the help the program offers includes getting those recovering jobs, transportation and even housing. Kaine was able to hear first hand stories from those in the program as well as employers who have hired a program participant.

“This program has been the only support I’ve basically had that’s been beneficial. I hope that it continues and expands around the region as well,” said Jamie Hill a R.O.P.E.S. participant.

Kaine has been a supporter of the program and secured $750,000 for its expansion in 2023. As part of discussions held he learned that people like Hill make great peer support specialists for those recovering.

However, it’s not easy for people like her to get into the profession. He’s hoping to promote change in the state using the introduction of a federal bipartisan bill called the Peer Support Act.

“I think it’s going to pick up a lot of bipartisan support. It will be able to deal with some of the challenges whether its barrier crimes on your record that keep you from getting hired,” said Kaine. “It was mentioned that some of the Virginia rules make it hard for folks who have a criminal record to become peer recovery specialists with the community service boards.”

The R.O.P.E.S. program currently helps people in seven counties as well as the City of Norton in southwest Virginia.

The discussions also touched on federal cuts that Kaine fears may end up affecting funding going to programs like the R.O.P.E.S. initiative.