TAP RESTORE Evaluation

Title of Project: TAP Re-Employment, Support and Training for the Opioid Related Epidemic (RESTORE) Program Evaluation

Principal Investigator (PI): Mary Beth Dunkenberger, Associate Director, Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance (VTIPG)

Co-Investigator: Lara Nagle, Community-Based Research Manager, VTIPG

Key Community Partner: Charysse Hairston, Assistant Director of Workforce Innovations - This Valley Works, Total Action for Progress (TAP); Kimberly Williams, Senior Career Mentor, TAP

Description of Project: The Re-Employment, Support, and Training for the Opioid Related Epidemic (RESTORE) program provided by Total Action for Progress (TAP) has assisted women directly and indirectly impacted by the opioid epidemic by providing career services and job training.

Substance use disorder (SUD) rates in the service area of the Roanoke and New River Valleys as well as Alleghany Highlands have increased, particularly during COVID-19. Women with a history of SUD, criminal backgrounds, and/or dependent children face unique challenges advancing their employment prospects that RESTORE is designed to address.

Program supports included one-on-one engagement with a career mentor; the development of an individualized career plan for each participant; financial and resource assistance to address childcare, transportation and housing barriers; and technical training and soft skill development to increase participants’ employability in their target field as well as their level of professionalism.

Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance conducted a mixed methods program evaluation of TAP's RESTORE program, analyzing administrative data and findings from surveys and interviews with participants, RESTORE staff and training providers.

Project Materials

TAP RESTORE Program Evaluation Report - March 2022