Guernsey County Receives $325K INSPIRE Grant from the ARC

The Guernsey County Community Development Corporation (GCCDC) has been awarded a $325,645.00 grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to provide paid work experience and training in Guernsey County. The award is part of a recently announced $12 million package through ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative, which addresses the region’s substance use disorder crisis with investments that strengthen services in the recovery ecosystem and help facilitate workforce entry and re-entry.

“I commend The Guernsey County Community Development Corporation for their work supporting the recovery ecosystem in Appalachian Ohio, they are integral to bringing our INSPIRE projects to life,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “The Guernsey County Community Development Corporation is a great asset in our efforts to address the region’s substance use disorder crisis, and I look forward to seeing how they will help build a strong recovery ecosystem and a stronger workforce for the opportunities of tomorrow.”

Guernsey County CDC Executive Director Ron Gombeda said, “Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am for the ARC believing in our project and what are trying to do to improve the lives of those going through substance use disorder. This funding will provide paid work experience for those who are on the path to recovery, with the goal being full time permanent employment with a local business. I want to personally thank the ARC for its work in addressing this crisis within the Appalachia region by making this funding available.

Since INSPIRE was established in April 2021, ARC has invested $28.1 million in 83 projects across 289 Appalachian counties. The $12 million package for fiscal year 2022 is projected to improve nearly 450 businesses and prepare nearly 3,000 students and workers for new opportunities in the workforce.

ARC is expecting to issue a request for proposals for the next round of INSPIRE grant opportunities in early 2023. Additional information and resources are available at:

arc.gov/SUD.