Grant will be used for training staff

A federal grant is helping the staff of a Martinez rehabilitation facility train for the future.

//

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced in October that New Creation Christian Transitional Housing Inc. is receiving $33,664 from the department's Compassion Capital Fund, according to a news release issued by the department.

Tonya Hall, the executive director of New Creation, said the Capacity Building Program grant funds will be used to train herself, her staff and the facility's board of directors in such administrative areas as fiscal management and control.

"It is necessary," Hall said of the training she and others will need to successfully run the nonprofit facility.

The grant is one of 10 awarded statewide to faith-based and community organizations in order to enhance their ability to provide social services to those most in need, according to the release.

New Creation, which opened in September 2005, is a Christian home for drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation and prevention. The 2,100-square-foot converted home at 208 Flowing Wells Road houses five residents who are required to hold full-time jobs, participate in a 12-step recovery program and attend Bible study and church.

The home generated complaints from parents of students at Martinez Elementary School, located across the street, when it first opened, but that controversy soon faded.

The facility operates from a $140 weekly fee each resident must pay for their stay, which is also meant to teach them accountability, and from donations, pledges and charitable contributions.

Hall said most state and federal agencies require nonprofit organizations to be in operation for at least two years before they will consider them for grants.

"It is our very first grant," she said. "We're looking up from here."