Lewis County Community Services Opens Future Stories Fund Grant Applications With $55,000 in Available Funding

LOWVILLE, NY –The Lewis County Community Services Board is excited to launch the Future Stories Fund, a grant program supported by funds distributed to the County from recent Opioid Settlements and designed to support organizations/entities of all sizes and origins in combating the effects of the opioid overdose epidemic.  

The opioid overdose epidemic is an ongoing public health crisis that deeply affects individuals, their families, friends, co-workers, employers, and our community overall. For too many years, too many of our community members have died from drug overdoses and poisonings, those who need help often can’t get it, and the well-being of future generations is under threat. Those who die have lost the opportunity to build a future story and to positively contribute to our community. Other lives are deeply impacted by the loss, creating multigenerational trauma and potential future losses of life, and productivity that negatively affects our community for decades to come. 

The Community Services Board believes that to reduce drug use and overdose in our community, we must prioritize prevention, treatment and recovery. The objectives for the Future Stories Funding include: 

• Encourage new and innovative solutions to mitigating the opioid overdose epidemic  

• Support efforts to discourage or prevent opioid use initiation and the misuse of opioids 

• Reduce negative consequences associated with drug use 

• Reduce barriers to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) 

• Provide support/resources for individuals and families dealing with the effects of the opioid crisis. 

The community provided input on how best to use funds distributed to the County from recent Opioid Settlements via a survey administered May 1-31, 2024, as well as conversations with community leaders and stakeholders. Based on the feedback received, the Community Services Board will prioritize supporting innovative programs which address any of the following areas*: 

*Please note: programs listed are not comprehensive, and applications are not limited to these suggestions. However, all proposals must meet the eligibility requirements in Schedule C. 

1. Support efforts to discourage or prevent opioid use initiation and the misuse of opioids. 

This category emphasizes upstream strategies that target the root causes of drug use and overdose by strengthening community institutions and providing opportunities for youth and families to engage in activities that bring purpose and meaning to their lives. 

1. Support people in treatment for and recovery from Opioid Use Disorder and co-occurring substance use disorder/mental health conditions. 

This category includes strategies to increase access to treatment and recovery resources within the County and neighboring communities. 

The application period for the Future Stories Fund is now open, and eligible entities are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline on September 6, 2024.  For more information about the Future Stories Fund, including program objectives, eligibility criteria, program examples and application guidelines, please visit https://lewiscountyny.gov/departments/community-services-mental-health/future-stories-fund/.  

Links Referenced 

• Opioid Settlement Fund Survey – https://lewiscountyny.gov/public_notices/opioid-settlement-fund-survey/ 

• Schedule C – approved-uses.pdf (ny.gov)