Participants in treatment at Community Recovery Program (CRP), an initiative of Piedmont Community Services, talk about their experiences at an event called Cardboard Testimonies. This photo was taken in 2019 at House of Purpose Ministries. 

Embracing Hope: Celebrating National Recovery Month

From the desk of Harvest Foundation President Kate Keller

Martinsville-Henry County is a community that understands the power of resilience and unity.

Against the backdrop of scenic landscapes and small-town charm, this region grapples with the challenges of substance abuse and addiction. However, the people of Martinsville and Henry County are working together to tackle these challenges with a spirit of togetherness and hope. This is why National Recovery Month holds a special significance in this community, as it becomes a time to celebrate achievements, raise awareness, and pave the way for a brighter future.

September is not just another month on the calendar for Martinsville and Henry County—it’s a time of reflection, encouragement, and renewed dedication to fighting addiction. National Recovery Month, established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), aims to celebrate the success stories of those in recovery, promote treatment and mental health services, and foster a deeper understanding of substance abuse disorders.

Martinsville and Henry County have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of addiction on individuals, families, and the community as a whole. National Recovery Month provides an opportunity to highlight the strides the community has taken, showcase the local resources available, and recognize the individuals who have triumphed over addiction. 

CHILL MHC, a group of local high school students who empower the community to make positive choices, is showcasing its members through the Faces of CHILL: Faces of Hope initiative. While honoring those lost to addiction, they are also celebrating recovery and want to serve as faces of hope within our community. 

The Piedmont Adult Drug Treatment Court (see post below) just celebrated its first graduate, Jessica Dudley. As a funding partner in this program that’s proven to be successful, we’re excited to see graduates begin new phases of their lives in recovery and hope. 

One of the most crucial aspects of National Recovery Month is its role in breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction. By openly discussing addiction and sharing stories of recovery, MHC is fostering an environment of empathy and understanding. This not only encourages individuals to seek help without fear of judgment but also educates the broader community about the challenges of addiction and recovery. Throughout the month, we will be sharing local stories celebrating individuals in recovery. 

Hope is a driving force behind recovery, and National Recovery Month serves as a beacon of hope for MHC. By celebrating success stories, showcasing local role models, and emphasizing the availability of effective treatments, the community paints a picture of a brighter future—one where recovery is not only achievable but sustainable.

In Martinsville and Henry County, National Recovery Month is not just an event—it’s a testament to the resilience of a community that has united against the challenges of addiction. As September arrives each year, MHC can stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community embraces hope, compassion, and a shared determination to heal.

Pictured from left are Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Adams, Kate Keller, president of The Harvest Foundation, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Maciej Migalski, President, Press Glass Inc., and Mark Heath, president and CEO of the Martinsville Henry County EDC.

Press Glass to expand manufacturing facility in Henry County, creating 335 new jobs

The Harvest Foundation invested $2 million to support this expansion project

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday that Press Glass Inc., the largest independent glass fabricator in Europe, will invest $155.2 million to expand at the Commonwealth Crossing Industrial Park in Henry County. The company will construct a 360,000-square-foot addition to its existing facility to expand its U.S. presence and manufacture glass for the commercial construction industry. The project will create 335 new jobs.

“With this expansion, Press Glass will make the largest single capital investment by a business in Henry County’s history,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The addition of 335 new jobs, more than doubling the company’s head count, helps this region continue its economic rebound and demonstrates the resurgence of manufacturing that is happening across the Commonwealth.”

“Southern Virginia’s workforce possesses the skills and work ethic to benefit manufacturers, and we are proud Press Glass continues to thrive and reinvest in its operation at Commonwealth Crossing Industrial Park,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “With premier sites and a state-of-the-art training facility, Martinsville-Henry County has a recipe for success and continues to successfully compete for projects and diversify its economy.”

“Our clients have trusted us and recognized the high quality of Press Glass products, so the expansion of the factory in Ridgeway is a natural step to increase the availability of our offerings and strengthen our position in the American market,” said Maciej Migalski, President, Press Glass Inc. “After the expansion, the Ridgeway plant will be one of the largest and most automated facilities processing architectural glass in the USA. At the same time, we will create new, valuable job opportunities. We express our gratitude to the local leadership for their invaluable support.”

“Press Glass’ decision to expand its manufacturing facility in Commonwealth Crossing speaks not only to the strength of Press Glass’ position in their industry but also to the decision local (elected) officials made 15 years ago to invest in a modern industrial park that would be attractive to growth companies like Press Glass,” said James McClain, Chair, Martinsville-Henry County EDC. “The EDC is grateful to Press Glass for their continued confidence and investment in Martinsville-Henry County.”

Jessica Dudley (third from left) is pictured with her family and Viola Rich (right), a peer support specialist at Community Recovery Program. 

Drug court program celebrates first graduate

Piedmont Adult Drug Treatment Court celebrates Jessica Dudley, approaching 400 days free of substance abuse

Martinsville, Va. — Jessica Dudley, the first graduate of Piedmont Adult Drug Treatment Court (PADTC), is approaching 400 days free of substance abuse. 

“I came into the program at my lowest,” Dudley said. “I had decided the world would be better off without me… I’m proud of the woman I’ve become thanks to my support system. They picked me up, encouraged me… I will be forever grateful. It’s a daily battle but worth it.” 

The PADTC team celebrated its inaugural graduation on Thursday, Aug. 24 at the Henry County Courthouse. Martinsville Circuit Court Chief Judge G. Carter Greer presides over the drug court and welcomed the program’s keynote speaker, the Honorable Joel C. Cunningham, a retired judge who oversees the Halifax County Adult Drug Treatment Court. 

“The majority of our graduates are doing well in recovery with jobs — they’re taking care of themselves and their families, and this is why we work so hard,” Cunningham said. “Our criminal justice system recognized that we have to do business a little differently. The research has shown that (prolonged incarceration) doesn’t make that much of a difference… But when we do what we’re supposed to be doing, we make things better.” 

Halifax County sees around a 70 percent success rate with its program, according to Cunningham. He said PADTC can expect to see similar results. 

“(Drug court participants) are people who are incredibly strong to get to where they are,” Cunningham said. “Somehow, they find the courage to fight and not give up, and it’s hard… When drug court teams are successful, we spare families with individuals suffering from painful drug abuse conditions… We bring moms and dads back. We help to restore the family unit.”

Cunningham congratulated Dudley on her success and reiterated the key to maintaining success comes from utilizing the tools learned from drug court. 

Pictured above are scenes from the newest trail at Philpott Lake. 

Tomorrow: Ribbon Cutting for New Trail at Philpott Lake

The trail was funded by a $10,000 Project Hope grant from The Harvest Foundation

BASSETT, V.A. – A ribbon cutting will be held September 1st, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Philpott Lake Visitors Center for a new 0.4-mile pedestrian trail opening at Philpott Lake.

The Greater Bassett Area Community (GBAC) Spillway Overlook Trail begins at the Philpott Lake Visitor’s Center, located at 1058 Philpott Dam Rd, Bassett, V.A., 24055. Visitors can follow the trail to a picturesque view through the Philpott Dam Spillway.

Philpott Lake applied for a $10,000 Project Hope Grant from the Harvest Foundation in Martinsville V.A. and used GBAC as the fiscal sponsor.

Find out what makes Pickleball so much fun at this upcoming event: Pickleball Free for All! 

Join us on Friday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Henry County Recreation Center, located at 395 W. John Redd Blvd in Collinsville. Call (276) 632-3329 ext. 118 or email lhodges@theharvestfoundation.org to find out more. 

Piedmont Community Services: Promoting Compassionate Solutions

Piedmont Community Services will offer its Strengthening Families Program in Martinsville for families interested in improving their parenting and communication skills. 

To register, contact Rosabelle Holmes at rholmes@piedmontcsb.org or call (276) 340-7423.

City of Martinsville Public Parks Input

IT ONLY TAKES 20 MINUTES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Stop by one of the final two community input sessions to share what you would like to see included in our parks improvement plan:

Thursday, August 31, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Baldwin Park, 500 Swanson St, Martinsville, VA 24112

Thursday, September 7, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Chatham Heights Park, 800 Garden Ln, Martinsville, VA 24112

There's always something fun to do in

Martinsville-Henry County.  

Check out VisitMartinsville to find your next adventure in MHC.

Make an impact in your community. Share your HOPE. 

We welcome your voice and ideas at The Harvest Foundation.

Our general responsive grants cycle is open year-round with consideration from our Board of Directors once a quarter. Our PUP Small Grants Program is an open process with decisions made in less than six weeks. Project Hope grants support small, grassroots projects with immediate impact. 

Give our office a call to schedule an appointment with a program officer.

About The Harvest Foundation:
The Harvest Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2002 by the sale of Memorial Hospital. In partnership with the diverse people and organizations that call MHC home, we serve as a long-term catalyst, advocate, and investor to make our community a welcoming place where all can thrive. Our vision is a community where everyone shares in the promise of an MHC that is healthy, prosperous, and vibrant. To date, the foundation has invested more than $158 million in grant dollars back into the community and has an annual grants budget of roughly $10-12 million. To find out more about Harvest, visit www.theharvestfoundation.org.

Discover Harvest — Add us to your address book to get the latest news from The Harvest Foundation delivered to your inbox. 

www.theharvestfoundation.org | (276) 632-3329

134 E. Church St.  | P.O. Box 5183

Martinsville, VA 24115

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