WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman John L. Mica (R-Winter Park) today announced that The Grove Counseling Center, a Seminole County based drug treatment program, will receive a record $645,000 federal appropriation in legislation signed into law this week.
Congressman Mica, sponsor of the congressional funding measure, stated, "With Central Florida’s epidemic cases of drug abuse and drug-related deaths, this funding can go a long way toward helping our Central Florida community deal with these mounting problems."
The Grove is converting its 28-bed coeducational facility in Winter Springs to two 20-bed units, one for girls and the other for boys. The federal funds will help cover the cost of expansion, remodeling, furnishings and equipment.
Over the past five years the Orlando area has consistently ranked among the top of metropolitan areas with high drug availability and high incidence of overdose deaths and other drug-related problems.
The Grove has provided substance abuse, delinquency and rehabilitation services for 28 years, working with the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and several federal agencies. For nearly ten years, it was the only provider of publicly-funded adolescent residential treatment in all of Central Florida.
Larry Visser, President of The Grove, stated, "We’re thrilled to receive these funds which will enable us to develop state-of-the-art substance abuse treatment services. The federal assistance will be instrumental in helping us to enhance our treatment program for Central Florida’s adolescents."