George W. Hill Correctional Facility Excited to Announce $769,825 Grant

Released: December 11, 2024

George W. Hill Correctional Facility Excited to Announce $769,825 Grant to Enhance Reentry Programs

The George W. Hill (GWH) Correctional Facility is excited to announce the receipt of a $769,825 grant from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). This competitive federal grant, approved by Delaware County Council during its December 11 Regular Council meeting, will support critical enhancements to substance use disorder (SUD) reentry programs for individuals transitioning from incarceration at GWH to the community.

“This grant is a game-changer for Delaware County,” said County Council Member Kevin Madden. “By providing the resources necessary to address mental health and substance use challenges, we are not only improving outcomes for individuals but also strengthening the overall safety and well-being of our community.”

For individuals grappling with substance use and mental health challenges, the grant provides an opportunity for comprehensive and targeted support during a critical period in their lives—a return to the community from incarceration. By addressing these needs through tailored reentry planning, enhanced treatment services, and coordinated care, the facility aims to reduce barriers to recovery and rehabilitation. These efforts will help individuals build a foundation for long-term success while reducing the risk of recidivism.

The funding will directly support the County’s goal of reducing recidivism and fostering a continuum of care for individuals with substance use and mental health challenges. It will also strengthen collaboration between GWH, behavioral health providers, and community organizations.

“This grant will allow us to provide critical health services to individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders,” said Warden Laura Williams. “These funds will enhance our ability to offer comprehensive care, helping people in our custody rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into their communities.”

The grant, fully funded by the federal government with no County match required, will enable the Correctional Facility to expand its staff and services, including:

• A Mental Health Coordinator: This position will focus on pre-release planning and post-release coordination for individuals with mental health needs, working alongside case managers and treatment providers.
• A Program Coordinator: Responsible for managing the SUD reentry program, this role includes tracking program data, evaluating outcomes, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure evidence-based approaches.
• A Reentry Planner: Tasked with developing comprehensive reentry plans, the planner will coordinate services such as treatment, housing, and other supports to ensure successful reintegration.
• Transportation Assistance: Funding will help program participants access treatment, medical appointments, and other essential services.
• Mandatory Training: Grant funding will also cover staff training to deliver high-quality reentry services.

“I want to thank Millennium Strategies for their invaluable expertise in managing the grant application process, as well as my George W. Hill team to include Deputy Warden Dele Faly, Substance Use-Mental Health Administrator Pat O’Connor, Health Services Administrator Kristen Grady, the Wellpath MAT team and Sandy Garrison from the Delaware County Department of Human Services for their unwavering support in making this possible,” Williams added.

This initiative underscores Delaware County’s commitment to fostering a humane and effective justice system.

“This represents a real success story, and I’m proud that under the leadership of Warden Williams, Delaware County became one of the first counties to provide all three forms of opioid treatment,” Madden said, referring to the three FDA-approved treatments—Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone—that reduce withdrawal symptoms, block opioid effects, and support long-term recovery. “That’s something to highlight. This is life-saving work.”

The project period for this initiative will run from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2027, with the expectation that federal funding may continue beyond 2027.

By prioritizing rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and strengthening reentry services, the County is working to create safer communities while providing individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. It reflects a broader vision of justice—one that emphasizes compassion, opportunity, and long-term success for everyone involved.

Job listings will be posted on the Delaware County website at DelcoPA.Gov/Jobs and the George W. Hill website at https://delcopa.gov/prison/careers.html in the coming weeks.