Assemblyman Jones is Improving Lives with Funding Secured for Champlain Valley Family Center

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) was joined by leaders of the Champlain Valley Family Center (CVFC) in Plattsburgh to discuss the $50,000 he secured to help fund its substance use recovery programs (E.634). This funding is intended to assist CVFC with increased demand for services due to substance use and addiction that has impacted many in our community.

“Addiction has claimed far too many lives in the North Country,” Jones said. “The services provided by the Champlain Valley Family Center are absolutely critical for people struggling with substance use and trying to begin a new chapter in their lives. I’ll continue to fight for organizations like this one so that our loved ones can continue down the path of recovery.”

CVFC offers school- and community-based prevention programs, family support programs, supportive housing and substance use treatment for Clinton County residents.[1] Jones secured $50,000 in the 2019-20 state budget to help CVFC continue providing these critical services.

“Champlain Valley Family Center staff, board of directors and clients are so grateful that Assemblyman Billy Jones was able to secure $50,000 for our not-for-profit agency,” said Connie Wille, chief executive officer of CVFC. “Assemblyman Jones has kept his hand on the pulse of many needs in the North Country and has paid close attention to the opiate epidemic and substance use disorder in the region.”

Jones is committed to combating the opioid epidemic and supporting people in recovery. This year’s state budget included Jones’ legislation that allows businesses that hire New Yorkers in recovery with an Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services-approved rehabilitation center to claim a tax credit of up to $2,000 for each qualifying employee (Ch. 59 of 2019). Last week, Jones met with Northeast Group President and CEO Michael Carpenter, a local employer who is hiring people in recovery using this tax credit. Folks in recovery are putting all their effort into moving forward and rebuilding their lives and deserve every ounce of support we can give them, including the opportunity of a good job, Jones noted.

[1] cvfamilycenter.org/mission-values-and-accreditation