Emerge to dedicate men’s recovery area to Greene County Commissioners

Emerge to dedicate men’s recovery area to Greene County Commissioners 

Nation’s first vocational community for men in recovery expected to open this spring 

XENIA TOWNSHIP — With their recovery housing addiction treatment and vocational program for men expected to open this spring, organizers at Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative credit strong community support for their forward momentum.

“Everyone in Greene County has been amazing,” said Kip Morris, co-founder of Emerge and CEO of Five Star Home Services. “Without the county coming behind us like they have, we would not have been able to get started as quickly as we have. The Greene County Commissioners have been especially helpful.” 

In fact, the role all three Greene County Commissioners have played so far has been so instrumental, Morris and the other two founders of Emerge, (which include Chris Adams of Narrow Path Plumbing and Doug Van Dyke of Van Martin Roofing), announced recently they will be dedicating the men’s section of the building to the three Commissioners by putting their names on a plaque once renovations are completed with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Emerge this spring. 

Commissioners visit Emerge for updates on the progress
Commissioners Dick Gould, Tom Koogler and Rick Perales visited the Emerge facility last week, which is located at the former Greene County Career Center, for an update on the renovations to the men’s side. Those renovations began last December after the commissioners unanimously approved a $1 million federal grant.

“We like to say ‘yes,’ especially when it’s a great cause like this,” Commissioner Tom Koogler said. “This was a no-brainer. It seems like Emerge is going to be able to help with almost every major issue we currently have in the county in some way.” 

Commissioner Dick Gould said all three of them believe Emerge’s model could be used throughout the nation.

“We are excited about this project,” Commissioner Gould said. “In fact, this is one of the few projects that we increased the initial amount for.” 

Because of workforce shortages throughout the region and the escalating drug epidemic and homelessness problem, Commissioner Rick Perales said the timing of the project was perfect, and he hopes to see the place open soon. He also feels Emerge has the potential to help a lot of people and has donated personally to Emerge. 

“I’d love to see this place featured on the evening news,” Perales said. “We are proud of what you are doing here!”

In addition to the commissioners, Al Kuzma at the Greene County Building Department, the Xenia Township Trustees, the Greene County Economic Development team and the local Mental Health Recovery Board of Clark, Greene & Madison Counties have also played instrumental roles in helping the project. 

“It’s really been comforting and encouraging knowing that we have support from MHRB,” said Nathan Crago, clinical director at Emerge. “They’re such a wonderful group of people that truly care about the residents of Greene, Clark, and Madison counties. I’m really looking forward to seeing how we can work together on this new venture out here at Emerge!” 

With rising construction costs, Emerge invites the community to lend their support
Officials at Emerge are inviting the community to invest in this innovative model of recovery and foster care emancipation, where all wrap-around services are under one roof. 

“What is the value of giving a member of our community hope, healing and a second chance?” said Elaine Bonner, Director of Philanthropy at Emerge. “Every dollar you invest leads someone on a path of long-term recovery with the opportunity for vocational training in a career with great potential.” 

Amidst a national shortage of skilled workers in the trades and general workforce demand, the people completing Emerge’s programming will enter careers in which their skills are in high demand.
“The Miami Valley is a generous community and has been a place where many grass roots efforts have filled a definite need within the community. Emerge is one more example of people coming together to tackle some important issues,” Mrs. Bonner said.  “Emerge will be an important strategy to building the workforce among a group of individuals who are often underrepresented — those with less than stellar backgrounds.” 

In addition to investing in this mission, volunteers will be needed, and the founders say they also encourage prayer.

Homeowners and business owners needing services performed can show their support by hiring Five Star Home Services, Narrow Path Plumbing, and Van Martin Roofing for all their HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roofing needs as these leading companies directly funnel a portion of their proceeds into Emerge while providing quality service to their customers. 

To follow the progress of Emerge, please visit emergerecoverytrade.com or contact Elaine Bonner at 937.974.6120. 

What is Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative?

Located at the former Greene County Career Center on 48 acres of rural land, Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative is the world’s first vocational community for people in recovery and youth aging out of foster care. Once it is fully operational, Emerge will serve people from all over Ohio with 50 beds for men, 50 beds for women and 25 beds for youth aging out of foster care. The facility is located at 2960 W. Enon Road, Xenia; it will include a coffee shop, a fitness center, a diner, outdoor recreation, several state-certified trade schools, a call center, several community partners, plans for a restaurant with catering and much more. The blueprint for this first location will be self-sustaining and replicable; it has the potential to be a model in other parts of the nation where workforce issues are crippling companies.