Operation Mind, Body, and Soul Proposes 2-Year Pilot Recovery Program

Local veterans’ organization Operation Mind, Body, and Soul has requested an allocation of the opioid settlement to fund a 2-year pilot program. The stated goal of the proposed initiative is to strengthen community mental health and opioid recovery support for veterans, law enforcement, and first responders in Dubois County. The proposal notes, “This population faces an increased risk of misuse, trauma, exposure, and suicide. This initiative will prevent coordinated access to behavioral health services, peer support, recovery, trauma support, and informed wellness intervention.” The organization is asking for $60,000 for the program’s first year, with an additional $40,000 for the second year. 

Representatives say that this proposal will allow the group to provide support to veterans, which has been their target population, in addition to law enforcement and first responders. The new gym gives much-needed space to serve more in need. In addition to recovery and peer support, the new facilities will offer physical fitness and community connections to help maintain long-term emotional and mental health. 

Operation Mind, Body, and Soul converted a 7,000 sq foot warehouse and equipped it with fitness equipment from the River Center location. This allows for better access and the opportunity to serve a larger population. A boxing ring will also be installed with a grant from Jasper Engines. The building has been inspected and is up to code. A handicapped ramp was donated, but increased traffic would necessitate more ADA-compliant upgrades. The location is 611 East 6 th Street by the Riverwalk, where Downtown Dog used to be. The group will retain their River Center space, converting the gym into a classroom. All new desks and podiums were installed by Jasper Group. The organization emphasized that their approach to healing participants is to get them educated, get them fit, and get them out into the community. 

In terms of sustainability, Operation Mind, Body, and Soul works with several other organizations to provide more robust offerings. They operate in coordination with the Evansville Vet Center, which runs therapy sessions at the River Center location. They also work with VA Outreach and other local veterans’ associations. 

The funding request was made to Dubois County, aligning with the requirements for opioid settlement restricted fund use. Operation Mind, Body, and Soul is also actively pursuing multiple grant opportunities to support their efforts. Other eligible organizations have applied for opioid funds as well, with a little over $94,000 in un-expended budget for 2026. The request will be considered to allow other organizations to present their requests, with a decision at the beginning of February. 

For more information visit, https://operationmindbodyandsoulcorp.net 

 - Drew Hasselbring