Indiana University Health Community Impact Investment Fund Awards Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana $1.4 Million Grant
INDIANPOLIS, IN
Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana receives $1.4 million grant awarded by
Indiana University Health Community Impact Investment Fund
to support new west side recovery residence for mothers with children
Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana (VOAOHIN) announces today it will develop, build, and operate a new, certified community-based recovery housing facility for women with young children on the west side of Indianapolis. The first and only recovery residence of its kind in Indiana, it will be equipped to provide recovery housing with comprehensive support for up to 11 women who will live with their children. It is scheduled to open in winter 2023.
In December 2021, VOAOHIN was awarded $1.4 million from the Indiana University Health Community Impact Investment Fund (CIIF) to support the project. John R. von Arx III, Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana’s president and CEO, says, “IU Health’s commitment and investment in this project are great demonstrations of our long-standing and trusted relationship. Both organizations take a whole-person approach to services, treatment, and recovery. While there are other centers in the state of Indiana serving women in recovery, this is the first facility of its kind that will focus on mothers and children by keeping the family together.”
Volunteers of America is currently identifying a site on the west side of Indianapolis with plans to break ground by spring 2023 and open the facility in winter 2023. The recovery residence will be state certified as Level III housing, providing residential services, around-the-clock support and peer connections to women who have completed residential substance use disorder treatment at a Fresh Start Recovery Center in Indiana and reside in either western Marion or Hendricks counties. The new residence will promote each woman’s recovery efforts to obtain an education or steady employment, permanent housing, strengthened family bond, and quality care for her child(ren) under the age of five.
“IU Health’s mission to make Indiana among the healthiest states in the nation requires us to look beyond the walls of our hospitals and address social, economic, and environmental conditions that contribute to poor health outcomes, shortened lives and higher healthcare costs,” said Dennis Murphy, IU Health president and CEO. “By helping to support these women and keeping their families together, we can help improve the lives and create positive health outcomes for those at risk in our communities.”
In 2018, a Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by IU Health echoed findings from the Indiana State Health Improvement Plan showing opioid abuse as a primary concern among residents in Marion and Hendricks Counties. Recent reports released by the CDC show overdose and opioid-related deaths climbed 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Indiana, substance use disorder was the most common contributing factor to maternal deaths, likely contributing to over half of all pregnancy-associated maternal deaths in 2018.
“Hoosiers in recovery from substance use disorder deserve safe, transitional housing,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director for drug prevention, treatment, and enforcement for the State of Indiana. “We are proud to partner with organizations such as Volunteers of America to develop and support solutions that lead to long-term, positive outcomes for our recovery community. This unique approach fulfills a critical need for Hoosier mothers in recovery and their children.”
About Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana 
Volunteers of America is one of the nation’s largest, established comprehensive human services organizations with 16,000 mission-driven professionals, dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded in 1896, the faith-based nonprofit has programs in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and serves more than 1.5 million people a year.  
At Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, we are dedicated to helping people achieve well-being by offering hope, restoring dignity, and transforming lives, to ensure communities thrive. For over 125 years, we have been uplifting individuals, families, and communities including veterans, homeless individuals and families, men and women returning home after incarceration, and those recovering and healing from addiction. Our work touches the mind, body, heart – and ultimately the spirit – of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. To learn more about our work, visit www.voaohin.org.