Reaching Rural Initiative Now Accepting Applicants
Reaching Rural: Advancing Collaborative Solutions is a one-year planning initiative aimed at rural justice and public safety practitioners, public health and behavioral health professionals, city, county, and tribal leaders, as well as community groups. This initiative empowers rural practitioners to strengthen networks across various sectors, adopt innovative solutions to the ongoing issue of substance use and misuse in rural communities, and rethink how diverse systems with different missions can collaborate more effectively to support justice-involved adults facing substance use or co-occurring disorders.
At the conclusion of the 12-month planning period, Reaching Rural fellows have the opportunity to apply for an implementation grant of up to $100,000 over 15 months to launch a project planned during the Reaching Rural fellowship. This funding opportunity will only be available to Reaching Rural fellows who have fully participated in the planning initiative.
According to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), participation in the Reaching Rural Initiative also includes:
Travel and per diem costs to participate in an orientation, a field visit to observe the implementation of evidence-informed practices in a rural setting, and a closing session at the end of the 12 months.
Monthly mentorship and guidance aimed toward local needs.
Monthly assignments that help participants apply core concepts to the local community or region.
Access to a diverse network of rural peers, innovative rural communities, and technical assistance providers.
Formal recognition for completing the planning initiative.
The Reaching Rural Initiative is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), BJA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the State Justice Institute (SJI)
Applications are due by December 16, 2024. An informational webinar will be available for potential applicants on November 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. CT.
Click here to access the application and apply for the planning initiative.