HCRS is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Vermont’s Reach Up Program, also known as TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families).
Reach Up is a statewide program administered by the Agency of Human Services to help families overcome temporary, short-term financial crises and avoid the need for ongoing assistance. The Reach Up program offers families assistance which can include cash subsidies, food stamps, health insurance, childcare assistance, fuel assistance, and/or overcoming barriers to obtaining employment.
Due to the heightened awareness that substance abuse and mental illness can have a significant impact on families’ self-sufficiency, the Vermont legislature allocated funds to designated agencies for the provision of mental health and substance abuse treatment to Reach Up clients. As a result, HCRS will provide case managers and clinicians to work with the Reach Up teams within Windham and WindsorCounties.
HCRS has hired three case managers who will be stationed at the Reach Up offices in Brattleboro, Springfield, and White River Junction. They will participate as members of the Reach Up teams and will provide screenings for mental illness and substance abuse and make referrals for treatment accordingly. HCRS clinicians will also provide counseling and support to help individuals address their mental illness and substance abuse issues so that they are no longer obstacles to self-sufficiency.
According to Steve Klein, HCRS’ Chief Program Officer, “HCRS is committed to working with the Reach Up program to help families break down the barriers created by addiction and/or mental illness. We applaud Governor Shumlin and the Legislature for recognizing the value of our services and will commit the resources necessary to families in our communities so that they may live happy and productive lives.”
