FIRST Center Leads Regional Workforce & Recovery Employment Initiative
HUNTINGDON, PA — The Families Involved in Recovery, Support, and Transformation (FIRST Center) is leading a new regional workforce planning initiative designed to strengthen employment pipelines, support local employers, and expand access to a reliable, recovery-ready workforce across Central Pennsylvania.
The initiative, FIRST CARES (Community Access to Recovery Employment Supports), is supported through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s INSPIRE 2025 planning program and is based in Huntingdon County, with reach across Bedford, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, and Mifflin counties.
FIRST CARES focuses on building a coordinated regional employment strategy that connects people in recovery with meaningful work while supporting businesses in developing Recovery-Ready Workplaces. The project emphasizes workforce participation, employee retention, peer support career pathways, and alignment between employers, training providers, and community supports.
“FIRST CARES is about strengthening our regional workforce by aligning employers, training systems, and community resources,” said Karen Rush of the FIRST Center. “People in recovery are motivated, capable workers, and when employers are supported, everyone benefits including businesses, families, and the local economy.”
Founded in Huntingdon in 2018, the FIRST Center has grown into a regional leader in community wellness, workforce-connected recovery supports, and employer engagement. The organization collaborates with healthcare providers, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and business leaders to reduce employment barriers and expand opportunities for sustainable work.
Local partners include the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce, Huntingdon County Planning and Development Department, Broad Top Area Medical Center, Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services, Mainstream Counseling, Juniata College, and others working at the intersection of health, workforce, and economic development. Regional and statewide partners such as CareerLink, Fulton County Family Partnership, and the Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition extend this work across rural communities.
Through the INSPIRE planning grant, the FIRST Center will conduct a regional assessment of workforce and employment needs related to recovery, identifying opportunities for Recovery-Ready Workplace development, training and career pathways, employer partnerships and education, and coordination of transportation, housing, and employment supports to strengthen workforce participation and long-term stability.
Regional data indicate that more than 14,000 working-age adults across the five-county area are in treatment or long-term recovery from substance use disorder. Many are eager to work but face barriers that can be addressed through employer collaboration, flexible workplace practices, and community alignment.
“Recovery and workforce success go hand in hand,” said Rush. “FIRST CARES is about building practical, employer-informed solutions that strengthen our labor force and our communities.”
Local employers are invited to participate in the FIRST CARES planning process by sharing input, exploring Recovery-Ready Workplace practices, and helping shape a stronger regional workforce. Your voice will directly inform future workforce programs and employer supports.
For more information or to get involved:
Phone: (814) 643-8337
Website: www.first-center.org
Email: karenr.firstcenter@gmail.com
