Collin Burgess had nearly given up hope after his cycles of addiction and ensuing choices overcame him. It was at his lowest point in the Buncombe County Detention Center that he was able to make a life change, thanks to a jail diversion program provided by FIRST at Blue Ridge, a North Carolina Licensed residential therapeutic community for individuals with chronic substance use disorders.
“When I came to the program, I had nothing except the clothes on my back and a lot of hurt, confusion, desperation and anger,” Burgess recalled. “I had reached the end of my rope.”
Together with partners from Buncombe County Justice Services, the Sheriff’s Office and RHA, FIRST stepped in to provide Burgess with wraparound supports including transitional housing, group counseling, self-help meetings, case management, job-placement assistance and other services. As a resident, he committed to participating in program-contracted jobs while completing clinical curriculum and program requirements.
Importantly, working throughout treatment exposes residents to the day-to-day challenges commonplace in society. Facing them together with support helps those recovering to develop a sense of self-respect within the community. Residents also learn job skills and work habits as they earn their way through the program and have an opportunity to establish a 12-month job history to add to their resumes, including positive references.
Collectively, components of FIRST have been transformational for many residents, including Burgess. “I am hopeful and excited for what comes next every day that I dive deeper into my recovery,” he said. “FIRST has given me my identity back. An identity that says today I am no longer a creature of existence, but a man of hope and recovery. It is possible after all. One day at a time.”
