Carter County Drug Prevention announced it is one of several recipients of a $125,000 annual grant in 2020, funding which will open up a plethora of opportunities for the nonprofit organization.

Director Jilian Reece said the grant comes from Drug-Free Communities, and it is months in the making.

“This is $125,000 annually for the next five years,” Reece said. “We heard the results on the 27th.”

The funding comes in the middle of continued efforts by CCDP to become self-sufficient in its funding, and it has partnered with several local organizations in order to do so, including Elizabethton Parks and Recreation and the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library.

“It feels amazing,” she said. “This will allow us to hire another staff member. For years, it has just been me.”

This is the second year CCDP has applied for the grant, and their receiving it marks a change in the organization’s ability to get things done.

As of now, CCDP has received this year’s funds, and Reece already has some plans on where to invest it, including the mentorship program and plans for a community training platform, though the latter is still in early planning phases.

“Not just every community gets this [grant],” Reece said. “It is really exciting to bring our community together.”

Other plans for the funding include utilizing community partners to expand CCDP’s scope. She said Kelly Kitchens from Parks and Recreation is looking at eSports programs, Samantha Loveday from Red Legacy Recovery is providing support, and CCDP is looking at promoting after-school programs in the area, as well.

The new employee for CCDP, in particular, opens up new opportunities.

“It will literally double the manpower,” Reece said. “It gives me an opportunity to focus on other things. I will have more than one set of eyes out there.”

Above all, Reece said CCDP plans to pursue the opportunities this grant provides.

“This gives us a really good opportunity,” she said. “I really hope this impacts the community in a huge way.”

For more information about CCDP and how to get involved, contact Reece at 423-342-8008 or by email at ccdpdirector@outlook.com.