Chester County has demonstrated strong stewardship of its opioid settlement funds by investing in expanded behavioral health services through Youth Town and its outpatient clinic, The Refuge. The Refuge is a nonprofit, faith-based organization that provides professional treatment for individuals struggling with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Their approach is gender-responsive, empirically informed, family-focused and thoroughly Christ-centered, with a mission to create irreversible life change for children, adolescents and adults.
Beginning in January 2026, settlement funding will support Youth Town/The Refuge in establishing a dedicated outpatient service space at the Youth Town Pinson campus, significantly increasing local access to care for Chester County residents. This investment also enables the clinical team to deliver services directly within Chester County schools, workplaces and other community settings when needs arise, removing barriers and meeting individuals where they are.
The project includes community outreach, advertising and engagement efforts to ensure residents are aware of, and connected to, available resources. Ultimately, this grant strengthens long-term access to high-quality treatment and helps ensure The Refuge’s services remain available, sustainable and impactful for Chester County residents for years to come.
Chester County’s leadership in supporting expanded outpatient treatment reflects a strong commitment to prevention, early intervention and compassionate community care.