Christian Grunder, Givens Communities Vice President of Human Relations, was a panelist in a Sept. 18 moderated discussion about efforts to support recovery-to-work efforts in the region.

The event took place at the Land of Sky Regional Council offices in Asheville following a televised press conference to announce Appalachian Regional Commission’s INSPIRE grants related to substance use disorder recovery-to-work initiatives.

Givens Communities actively works with training, education and partnerships to destigmatize addiction and recovery, and recently was designated a Recovery Friendly NC workplace, said Grunder.

“We support the members of our team as individuals, because everyone’s journey is going to be different,” she said. “Having available resources in the workplace like an employee advocate or access to a local mobile crisis unit, as we do, is invaluable. Collaboration and cooperation with agencies and organizations is vital for what all of us are trying to accomplish.”

The INSPIRE awardees will expand support services, workforce training, and job placements for individuals in recovery.

Nathan Ramsey, Land of Sky Regional Council Executive Director, told the audience that the impact of providing opportunities for second-chance job candidates was immense.

“Not only are you making a difference in that individual’s life, in that family’s life, helping someone claim sobriety, helping them on their recovery journey – you are also helping your local economy grow and prosper,” Ramsey said.

Land of Sky Regional Council was the recipient of nearly $500,000 for their partnership with substance use treatment courts to provide workforce training to recovering addicts. Jackson County’s HIGHTS will receive $18,000 to expand the behavioral health workforce in Western North Carolina.

“Substance use disorder is a region-wide epidemic that impacts Appalachian families and community workforces,” ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin said by video linkup. “I commend our grantees for their dedication in helping Appalachians who have struggled with substance use disorder regain a sense of hope and purpose by enabling them to rejoin their communities, bolster workforce development, and make positive impacts on the region.”

Fellow panelist North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley said, “Communities in the Appalachian region, especially rural towns, have borne the brunt of the disease of addiction. We are grateful to our federal partners for tackling these disparities head-on by investing in behavioral health services and support.”

For more information on Givens Communities inclusive workplace and job opportunities, please contact us at 828-274-4800.