B. Riley House Receives Nearly $300K Donation during National Recovery Month

(CLEVELAND, OH – Oct. 17, 2022) – CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan, announced today a nearly $300K donation to the B. Riley House, a recovery house serving LGBTQ+ adults. The funding will increase access to culturally competent care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals in Ohio needing behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services while supporting the long-term sustainability of the program.

On Oct. 13, Dr. Beejadi Mukunda, vice president and market chief medical officer of CareSource Ohio, presented the check to Rafael “Tony” Correa, founder and executive director of the B. Riley House, in honor of National Recovery Month in front of the organization’s location in Cleveland.

“CareSource recognizes the importance of eliminating health disparities experienced by our LGBTQ+ members,” said Dr. Mukunda. “We are proud to support the important work B. Riley House is doing with this financial reinvestment in addition to building a lasting relationship with the organization.”

The CareSource Foundation has previously supported the B. Riley House with grants totaling $13,000.

“For the LGBQ+ community and those who are gender non-conforming this donation is a major breakthrough when it comes to providing equity and equality in behavioral health systems,” said Correa. “It really signifies a major milestone for showing evidence of support, affirmation and advocacy for such a historically underserved population. On Behalf of B. Riley House, we are beyond honored and grateful to have received such ongoing support from CareSource.”

B. Riley House enhances the social, spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health of adult LGBTQ+ persons that suffer with substance use disorder. The organization provides a safe, tolerant, culturally sensitive and affirming living space in a clean and sober environment with emphasis on outpatient treatment, case management, peer support services, structure, routine, and spiritual practices using the 12-step approach.

About B. Riley House

B. Riley House was founded in 2016 by Rafael “Tony” Correa to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community for a safe, affirming and tolerant recovery environment. The organization operates its program based on the Therapeutic Community Model and is the only recovery house in Cuyahoga County serving the target population of the LGBTQ+ recovering adults. B. Riley House comprises three houses which serve as centers for its SUD residential treatment services, Halfway Program, Three-Quarter Program and Independent Living Program. This includes a residential drug treatment program, a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, and peer support services. In addition, 2020 saw the opening of the B. Riley Drop-In Center. The B. Riley Drop-In Center serves as agency for LGBTQ+ mentally ill, homeless and addicted population and offers a place where people can obtain food and other services such as linkage to treatment and mental health services to culturally competent providers.

For more, visit www.brileysoberhome.org.