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…

Across Appalachia is a network of recovery residences, service agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, faith-based organizations and more that support people who have substance use disorder (SUD). These services come together as a recovery-to-work ecosystem that promotes employment as a tool for recovery. How can the 13 states of Appalachia…

When it comes to addressing substance use disorder (SUD) and helping Appalachians recover, removing employment barriers is a crucial key to success. That’s why Kentucky River District Health Department is using ARC support to expand a proven recovery-to-work program and create opportunities in even more communities.

ARC’s Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) awarded $11.5 million to 39 grantees working to address Appalachia’s substance use disorder crisis. Each project makes a unique contribution to local, state and regional recovery ecosystems, which are complex, critically needed webs connecting peer support, health and human services, faith…

It takes innovative thinking to address the substance use disorder crisis, which continues to disproportionately affect the Appalachian Region. How can communities grow support services and workforce opportunities for individuals in recovery? For Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) in Southwest Virginia, their answer is simple: local food.

The journey through justice system involvement, recovery from substance use disorder and workforce re-entry is longer and more complex than most realize. Investing in partners, such as The REACH Initiative in Charleston, West Virginia, that make this process easier for Appalachians is a key part of…

Join Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for a virtual workshop to learn more about ARC’s Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative. Sessions will provide applicants the opportunity to better understand the INSPIRE Initiative and what makes a well-rounded application, hear an overview of the key…

ARC invites you to join us for Getting the Grant: Successfully Applying for ARC Funding Opportunities, an in-person workshop series designed to help prospective applicants prepare to submit applications for ARC’s 2023 funding opportunities: ARISE, INSPIRE, and POWER. Getting the Grant: Successfully Applying for ARC Funding Opportunities workshop attendees will: Meet…

Join the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for a virtual workshop to learn more about ARC’s Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative. Sessions will provide applicants the opportunity to better understand the INSPIRE Initiative and what makes a well-rounded application, hear an overview of the key points in…

In 1980, Fahe was founded to provide access to workforce training and financial resources for locally rooted nonprofit organizations. Its founding members quickly learned they could “go further together,” and has since grown into a strong network of 50+ nonprofits from six states working toward…

The nation’s substance use disorder crisis disproportionately impacts Appalachia, where in 2023 overdose-related mortality rates for people ages 25–54 was 52 percent higher than the rest of the country. Appalachians struggling with substance use disorder encounter additional barriers including transportation, housing, access to care, education and steady employment. These…