Federal Grants Support Codington County’s Fight Against Addiction: Commissioners Renew Peer Support and Sober Housing Contracts
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 19
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - During the Tuesday, April 14, 2026, meeting, the Codington County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the renewal of two critical service contracts—Face It Together and Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars—funded entirely through federal grant money.
The initiatives are supported by the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-based Program (COSSUP) grant, a federal funding stream designed to help local governments implement strategies to reduce the impact of substance use disorders.
The Board first addressed the renewal with Face It Together, an organization that provides peer support services for individuals navigating addiction. Community Service Director Sara Foust explained that while the contract is a standard annual renewal required by the Department of Justice, its impact on the community is vital.
Foust clarified that the county acts as a “pass-through” for the federal funds, ensuring the program continues to reach those in need at no cost to local taxpayers.
“These are just renewals... from the COSSUP grant funds,” Foust told the Board. “The first one is for Face It Together, which is our peer support services. Again, this is using the COSSUP grant... and it’s essentially the same thing—the contract that we’re required to do for the Department of Justice regarding that”.
The contract is part of a three-year grant cycle, with Foust noting that the funding could extend into a fourth year.
Sober Housing: Expanding Local Stability
The second vote secured continued funding for Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars, a program that provides sober living environments for individuals in recovery. This renewal allows the county to maintain access to up to 40 sober housing slots across the organization’s various locations.
Foust emphasized the stability these locations provide to individuals re-entering society or seeking a clean break from substance-heavy environments.
“The second one is Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars for their sober housing using COSSUP grant funds,” Foust explained. “There’s no cost to the county for this—the county is just a pass-through”.
The Fiscal Reality: Zero Local Tax Impact
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the fiscal responsibility of using federal grants to address community health issues. Both motions were approved with the explicit understanding that “no county funds will be used to support this” initiative.
By utilizing the COSSUP grant, Codington County can implement aggressive, high-impact strategies to reduce the local “impact of opioid and substance use disorders” while keeping the county’s general fund focused on other infrastructure and administrative needs.
Residents seeking more information on peer support availability or sober housing requirements can find resources through the Codington County Community Service Office or by visiting www.codingtonconnects.com.
