Asheville, North Carolina serves as a successful model for economic revitalization in Appalachia. Tourists from far and wide seek out its rich cultural history, outdoor recreation opportunities, culinary scene and much more. As a result, entrepreneurship and business growth has helped diversify its economy and create numerous employment opportunities for residents in and around Buncombe County. But like many other parts of Appalachia, the local workforce has been disproportionately impacted by the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis.
In light of the SUD crisis and its impact on the community and workforce, the Land of Sky Regional Council recognized the need act to expand support services for those in SUD recovery to both prepare them for new opportunities in high-demand industries, and ensure the local economy continues to grow.
Asheville-based INSPIRE grantee and local development district (LDD) Land of Sky is bringing together regional partners representing every facet of the recovery-to-work ecosystem to meet this need—local employers, workforce trainers and educators, the justice system, faith-based organizations and many more.
Using ARC INSPIRE funding, Land of Sky is forging strategic partnerships to expand, streamline and strengthen services that help Appalachians impacted by SUD maintain their recovery and obtain employment.
Strengthening Recovery Collaboration
Land of Sky used more than $474K of INSPIRE funding in 2021 to implement its WNC [Western North Carolina] Recovery-to-Career project. This project streamlined regional recovery resources by improving the links between various partners in the recovery ecosystem, including workforce and skills training programs, behavioral and mental health providers, wraparound service providers, and regional employers.
INSPIRE funding also helped Land of Sky hire Certified Peer Support Specialists to help individuals in remote, rural communities in Appalachian North Carolina access recovery resources, including education, training, and mental health services.
By enhancing peer support and improving collaboration between various recovery partners across 11 Western North Carolina counties, the project provided 215 individuals in recovery with comprehensive support services that helped them retain employment with over 100 local businesses.
“Our original INSPIRE grant allowed us to build on the area’s recovery ecosystem and build stronger partnerships with employers and recovery professionals,” said Nathan Ramsey, Executive Director of Land of Sky. “Not only are we impacting the lives of individuals in recovery but also strengthening the economy as a whole as participants gain long-term employment.”
Expanding Support During Treatment
While Land of Sky’s 2021 INSPIRE project resulted in success, they knew more work needed to be done to continue to fill gaps in the recovery-to-work ecosystem—especially for individuals navigating recovery, the justice system and employment. Through ARC’s latest INSPIRE award package, Land of Sky received over $499K for a new project that will provide job training and support as individuals in recovery undergo court-mandated treatment programs. The project aims to connect individuals in recovery to wraparound services, like transportation and housing, which are critical to getting a job and staying on the job.
“While treatment court participants face the same barriers as others in the SUD community, those who are justice-involved need additional supports to meet the more intensive requirements,” Ramsey said. “This new focus will allow us to build better relationships with our justice partners and achieve better outcomes for our participants.”
Through the project, Land of Sky expects to serve 200 individuals in recovery and connect them to opportunities with 50 recovery-friendly businesses in six counties.
Learn more about the $11.5 million INSPIRE package announced on September 18, 2024 at the Land of Sky office in Asheville, North Carolina. The package supports 39 recovery-to-work projects in communities across nine Appalachian states.
