By: Maria- Paula
Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin (D) on Monday announced that the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) has approved a $2 million loan from the Economic Development Loan Fund (EDLF) that will contribute to the creation of the Wildwood Recovery Center, the first ever Southwest Virginia’s comprehensive residential treatment facility.
This state-of-the-art facility utilizing six 1,900-square-foot dormitories, and two 7,000-square-foot administrative buildings will accommodate the simultaneous treatment of up to 96 individuals,
“Comprehensive treatment services should be readily accessible to all Virginians. I am pleased to see that this need is being fulfilled in the Southwestern part of the state,” said Governor Youngkin. “This new facility will provide necessary treatments for Virginians in years to come. This is another step forward for our “Right Help, Right Now” initiative goals, under the Behavioral Health Care plan.”
The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) through its economic development financing arm Small Business and Supplier Diversity’s (SBSD), has also taken part. By offering programs to provide businesses, not-for-profits, and economic development authorities with the financing needed for economic growth and expansion throughout the Commonwealth, the organization provided a portion of the financing for Dickenson County’s first long-term, inpatient addiction treatment facility.
VSBFA’s funding for this project was critical to fill the gap in financing that facilitated the project’s overall approval to move forward. The Governor’s office said a $4 million loan awarded by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) will help facilitate the overall funding, in addition to backing from the Dickenson County Board of Supervisors, the Town of Clintwood, and other County entities have participated in the project’s financial agility.
“The Wildwood Center will greatly impact those struggling with the battle of addiction while jumpstarting the economy in Southwest Virginia. This newfound resource will heal families and create dozens of new jobs. Projects like this one truly support the heart of our mission and aspirations for Virginia communities,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick.
The Addiction Recovery Care (ARC), as top provider of broad-based treatment services for those with substance use disorder (SUD) is working in partnership with the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority to bring this facility to its complete realization.
“As our Commonwealth faces an ongoing and increasing substance misuse crisis, it is critical Virginians in need of treatment have access to quality and comprehensive services in their own community. As the first center of its kind in Southwest Virginia, Wildwood Recovery Center will allow individuals to receive the right help they need, right now, as they start their path to recovery,” said Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources John E. Littel.
According to the office of the Governor, VSBFA considers the Wildwood Recovery Center to be a crucial project, expected to have a substantial impact on both the economy and quality of life for individuals and families struggling to survive the disease of addiction. Not only will this project serve those struggling with addiction, but it is also expected to create 52 new full-time Virginia jobs with benefits.
The project will create new, higher-paying jobs in Virginia and establish a healing path forward for families suffering from addiction. VSBFA through its Regional Lending Manager, Linda Tackett said this project has a better mission fit for its agenda which aims to create multi-faceted impacts on Virginia communities, boosting the economy, creating jobs, and fulfilling the essential needs of local communities.
Near the Town of Clintwood, this vital facility will be located at 230 Chip Mill Road on a portion of the parcel purchased by the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority in 2021. The Wildwood Recovery Center aims to host its grand opening in September of 2023.
