Foothills Recovery and Employment Ecosystem

Bridging the gap between recovery and employment

The Foothills Recovery and Employment Ecosystem (FREE) program is a response to the pressing challenges posed by Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in the rural counties of Rutherford, Polk, McDowell, and Cleveland in Western North Carolina. This program provides individuals living in these counties with support and connections to stable employment opportunities while also providing training and education to employers interested in becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace.

Check out our F.R.E.E. one-pager to learn more about this innovative and effective program!

Watch this quick video to get a comprehensive overview of the F.R.E.E. program, narrated by Program Coordinator, Mindy Wright.

For Job Seekers

Have you been impacted by Substance Use Disorder and are seeking a job in Rutherford, Polk, Cleveland and/or McDowell counties?

If yes, please click on the For Job Seekers button below and learn about the peer support, services and connection to Recovery Friendly Workplaces provided by our Foothills Recovery and Employment Ecosystem.

For Peer Support Specialists

Are you a NC Certified Peer Support Specialist working in Rutherford, Polk, Cleveland or McDowell county and are interested in supporting a FREE Job Seeker in their search for employment?

If yes, please click on the For Peer Support Specialists button below to learn about our Peer to Peer meetings and how you can be connected to a F.R.E.E. Job Seeker in need of support.

For Employers

Learn about becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace

Are you an employer located in Cleveland, Polk, Rutherford or McDowell County and interested in learning more about becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace? If yes, please click on the For Employers button below to learn more about available trainings, certifications and networking meetings to strengthen your workforce and get you designated as an official NC Recovery Friendly Workplace.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Foothills Recovery and Employment Ecosystem, please contact ARC/F.R.E.E. Coordinator Mindy Wright at MWright@sunriseinasheville.org /
828-200-0439 or contact ARC/F.R.E.E. Peer Support Specialists Randa Gardner or Ezra Atkinson at ARCFREEinfo@sunriseinasheville.org or call 828-712-1141 or 828-423-2841