Thank you for your interest in the Larry Bisnett Scholarship! The purpose of the Larry Bisnett Scholarship is to assist individuals from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties who require financial assistance to enter a transitional recovery residence as part of their journey toward greater independence and freedom from substance abuse. Eligible applicants must be receiving social security benefits and be referred by a substance abuse professional, case manager or social worker, submit a completed scholarship application, include one letter of recommendation, and complete the four self-assessment questions. Though required to sign the application, applicants cannot refer themselves for the Larry Bisnett scholarship. Persons who qualify and are accepted for the scholarship will receive funding for up to two weeks rent (not to exceed $150.00 per week). Effective October 1st, 2016, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and there is no deadline for submission of the scholarship application. Only one scholarship will be awarded each month.
Applications Are Currently Being Accepted
Eligibility Requirements
The Larry Bisnett Scholarship Fund is intended to address the needs of individuals stepping down from hospital and non-hospital drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment programs. To be approved, the applicant seeking assistance through the scholarship fund must:
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- Require one to two weeks of financial assistance to move into a Transitional Residence as part of his/her plan of recovery from substance abuse. This may be demonstrated in the following way:
- A substance abuse professional, social worker or case manager associated with a hospital or non-hospital rehabilitation facility must certify that the applicant requires assistance to "step down" from inpatient rehabilitation to a Transitional House as part of his/her recovery plan.
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- Be or have been a resident of Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach County for a period of no less than two (2) consecutive months prior to the date of application. Note that an individual is considered a Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach resident when he/she has lived in Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach County for a period of not less than two (2) consecutive months prior to the date we receive the scholarship application, including jail time, hospitalization, and institutionalization.
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- Are not a current or former resident of Project SOAR Recovery Residences.
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- Are receiving Social Security benefits on the 1st or 3rd of the month following acceptance into Project SOAR (documentation must be provided to confirm this if selected for the scholarship).
Frequently Asked Questions
When planning to refer an individual to Project SOAR Recovery Residences to determine if they are eligible to receive supportive transitional housing assistance through the Larry Bisnett Scholarship Fund, please consider the following:
- What county is the applicant’s home county (county of origin)? The scholarship is open to individuals who are an established resident of Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach county for at least two (2) months, including their time spent in treatment or incarceration. Having their home address/county changed while in an inpatient facility or listing the facility’s county on the application does not meet the residency requirement.
- Who may make a referral? Referrals will only be accepted from Inpatient treatment facilities (Rehabilitation Treatment Center or Hospital) or an applicant’s case manager/social worker (when applicable). We also accept referrals through the Veteran Services Administration. Though required to sign the application, applicants cannot refer themselves for the Larry Bisnett scholarship.
- Can an applicant receive a scholarship more than one time? No. The scholarships are issued only once per recipient.
- Can scholarship money be re-instated should an applicant leave our program? No. Should an individual leave our transitional house prior to the end of the scholarship duration (two weeks), they forfeit the remaining funds.
- What if my client does not receive Social Security benefits but is seeking employment? Unfortunately our scholarship specifically requires that the resident be a recipient of Social Security/Disability benefits.