Kentucky Chamber Foundation to Help Advance Workforce Recovery Solutions through the Connect Appalachia Project

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation will be working with the Fletcher Group, the primary recipient of ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) grant, to lead Kentucky’s role in the Connect Appalachia project. This multi-state initiative aims to strengthen recovery ecosystems, expand economic opportunity, and address critical workforce shortages across Appalachia.

As part of this initiative, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation will implement the Recovery Ready Workplaces training and education model, expanding its outreach to Kentucky-based employers. The Foundation will also work to strengthen community partnerships and support job-readiness and employment pathways for Kentuckians in recovery.

“Efforts to address substance use disorder and improve economic opportunity are too often siloed, discouraging the exchange and adoption of effective practices,” said Dr. Ernie Fletcher, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Fletcher Group, Inc. “The Connect Appalachia project will bring together experienced organizations in the six-state service area to help Appalachian employers address workforce needs and individuals maintain recovery and obtain employment. The Fletcher Group is proud to partner with these organizations to strengthen recovery pathways and expand economic opportunity.”

“We are honored to be selected by ARC and the Fletcher Group as a partner in this important work,” said Kentucky Chamber Foundation Senior Vice President Beth Davisson. “This focus is especially needed in Appalachia, where stronger recovery pathways and workforce support can change the trajectory for families and communities. With ARC’s investment and our partnership with the Fletcher Group, we can bring proven Recovery-Ready Workplace strategies to more employers and connect more Kentuckians to meaningful careers. At its core, this is about helping people rebuild their lives and giving communities a stronger foundation for the future.”

In addition to the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, consortium partners include First Tennessee Development District, Highland Rivers Behavioral Health, Jobs & Hope West Virginia, New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board, Upper Cumberland Development District, and Wilkes Recovery Revolution. Together, these organizations will coordinate recovery and workforce strategies across multiple ARC counties to support communities throughout the Appalachian region.

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation has led multiple initiatives to help build a recovery-friendly business environment across the Commonwealth, delivering employer training, supporting recovery-ready hiring, and convening community partners to address substance use disorder. Learn more about the Foundation’s workforce initiatives at www.kychamberfoundation.org.