CJK and Coolmine Therapeutic Community have announced the launch of the ‘Powering Recovery: CJK Opportunity Fund’, a new initiative designed to support people rebuilding their lives after addiction through education, training and employment opportunities.
The fund builds on a long-standing partnership between the two organisations focused on creating meaningful pathways to work for people in recovery across Ireland. Over the years, Coolmine graduates in Dublin have progressed into apprenticeships with CJK, with many going on to become fully qualified electricians and skilled professionals within the industry. For participants, access to stable employment and meaningful opportunity has played a critical role in sustaining recovery, rebuilding confidence and creating long-term independence.
The new ‘Opportunity Fund’ aims to remove some of the financial and practical barriers that can prevent people from taking the next step after treatment. The initiative will support access to education, vocational training and employment-related opportunities where financial support may otherwise be unavailable. The fund will also support Dublin participants completing Coolmine’s 18-month Recovery Internship Programme, which combines education, work experience, mentoring and wraparound recovery support for people who may not thrive in traditional education settings.
Over the course of the partnership, the fund is expected to support between 70 and 80 individuals in accessing opportunities that may otherwise have been out of reach. Coolmine Therapeutic Community supports individuals and families affected by addiction through residential treatment, day services, aftercare and community reintegration programmes. A core part of its work is helping people build stability, purpose and connection after treatment.
Colm Maher of CJK, said the partnership reflects a long-standing belief within the company in the importance of opportunity and support. Maher remarked: “Over the years, we’ve seen first-hand the difference education, training and meaningful work can make in someone’s life. Many Coolmine graduates who joined CJK have gone on to build long-term careers within our industry and made a huge contribution to our business.
“Powering Recovery is about extending that opportunity further and supporting people as they work towards stability, confidence and independence. This partnership means a great deal to our team and we’re proud to continue supporting pathways back to work that can have a lasting impact on people, families and communities.” Lisa Larkin, Head of Services at Coolmine Therapeutic Community, said the partnership had already transformed lives within the Coolmine community.
“CJK has played an important role in supporting Coolmine graduates through apprenticeships and long-term career opportunities,” she said.
“This partnership reflects a shared belief that everyone deserves a second chance. We’ve already seen the positive impact that belief can have on people’s lives and recovery journeys and we look forward to seeing more people thrive through this opportunity.” The fund marks a further step in the long-standing partnership between CJK and Coolmine and their shared commitment to supporting recovery through opportunity.
