Founded in 1975, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (“GCASA”) is an Article 32-licensed, NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (FKA “Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services”; OASAS)-certified provider. GCASA serves residents of Western New York, primarily Genesee and Orleans County, through a wide range of substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, treatment, and recovery services. GCASA’s supportive living apartments are available for men and women who are transitioning from a community residence setting to a more independent shared living space with others who are on the path to recovery.In 2019, GCASA was awarded $4.7MM in grant funding from the NYS Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program (SHCFTP2) to establish a 25-bed, Women and Children Recovery Community Residence in Albion, NY. The new facility would enable GCASA to serve women and children by offering an intensive residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program. This will be the first such facility in Orleans County, and it will be one of only a few, statewide, to allow children to accompany their mothers, thereby removing a barrier to treatment.
The grant proceeds – which are structured as reimbursement grants – require GCASA to finance its project costs upfront. To accommodate the upfront expenses, PCDC provided a $1.75MM bridge loan uniquely structured to “revolve” in order to support the organization during construction. PCDC’s loan will advance funds upfront, and be re-issued upon exhaustion, thereby meeting the specific reimbursement requirements of the grant, while ensuring sufficient funds and minimal cost to GCASA.