County awards $75,000 to RISE Teen Space to expand youth recovery services

The Kosciusko County opioid settlement fund panel voted to award $75,000 to RISE Teen Space to expand youth recovery and prevention services. Crystal, program director for RISE Teen Space, told the panel that the program has seen rapid growth and that grant support would allow it to expand session frequency and capacity.

Crystal said the need was clear: “Out of the 15 teens present, 12 raised their hands.” She described monthly attendance rising from three visits in January to 109 visits in August and said the funding would allow staff to add sessions, strengthen outreach and track outcomes such as participation and program completion. A committee member moved to award $75,000 of the $109,000 the group requested; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Panel members questioned program sustainability and asked that grantees file quarterly reports aligned with the panel’s agenda deadlines so the committee can monitor outcomes and future funding needs. The panel’s chair noted existing obligations to the sheriff’s counseling program and said the county would balance those commitments while supporting community recovery efforts.