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A ground-breaking initiative is set to open in Chesapeake, Virginia, as the Harbor Hope Center recovery school prepares to offer a lifeline to high school students struggling with addiction. Spearheaded by Virginia Beach City Public Schools, the Harbor Hope Center aims to provide comprehensive support for students from five Southside Virginia cities—Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach—struggling with substance use disorders. The school will offer a combination of in-person and virtual classes, giving students the opportunity to continue their education while receiving crucial recovery support.
According to WHRO, the Harbor Hope Center will open its doors next school year with 25 seats for students in need of specialized addiction services. This school will be the second of its kind in Virginia, marking an important milestone in addressing the growing need for substance use treatment for teens. Virginia Beach officials have recognized the dire situation, as drug overdoses among teens have surged in recent years. With treatment options for teenagers limited and often out of reach, the Harbor Hope Center promises to fill a significant gap in local resources.
“Many families have shared their stories of tough decisions,” said Robert Jamison, executive director for student support services at Virginia Beach City Public Schools. “If you want a recovery program, often it’s residential and outside our area. It was a choice between recovery or education.”
The center will offer students a chance to earn their diploma or GED certificate while receiving addiction treatment. The school will operate out of a repurposed building in Chesapeake, with a model that combines classroom learning and counseling, providing a safe and supportive environment for students on their recovery journey.
The statistics surrounding teen addiction are alarming. A study published in January 2024 in Health Affairs highlighted the scarcity and cost of treatment programs for teens across the United States. The overdose death rate among teens, particularly those aged 14 to 18, saw a dramatic increase starting in 2021, largely attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The state of Virginia has not been immune to this trend. Between 2019 and 2021, overdose deaths for 15- to 24-year-olds in Virginia rose by about 70%, with emergency room visits following a similar upward trajectory.
In light of these figures, retired Virginia Beach police chief Jim Cervera emphasized the importance of providing students with recovery support in a school setting. "Nobody wakes up in the morning and says, 'I can’t wait to be a heroin addict,'" he said. "Kids need help getting off of drugs or alcohol in a place that also educates them." The Harbor Hope Center is designed to do just that: offer a compassionate environment where teens can heal while staying on track with their education.
The new recovery school is projected to be funded primarily by the General Assembly and grants, including a $160,000 allocation from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. The program’s first-year costs are estimated at $708,000. Transportation for students will be covered by the school districts, ensuring that the program remains accessible to those in need across the five participating cities.
The Harbor Hope Center will provide a much-needed resource for students in these five Virginia cities, offering both education and recovery support in one integrated program. This initiative is an important step forward in addressing the opioid crisis and supporting the mental and physical well-being of young people struggling with addiction. By offering students the opportunity to continue their education while receiving the treatment they need, the Harbor Hope Center aims to give teens a second chance at life, education, and a brighter future.
If you or your loved one are struggling with addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery today. We will provide you with a safe and professional place to recover and have a second chance at life. Our experienced team has helped over 40,000 individuals break free of their addictions and they can help you too. Contact us today to begin your recovery journey!