ASHEVILLE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / August 8, 2024 / In conjunction with September's upcoming celebration of National Recovery Month, the NC Workforce Development Coalition (NCWDC), the 503(c)-foundation subsidiary of WCI, Inc. is proud to highlight a new initiative aimed at creating Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW) throughout Western North Carolina. This program, funded in part by a $296,595 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission INSPIRE Grant awarded on October 1, 2023, is designed to combat the stigma associated with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), provide resources to employees and employers, and reduce the burden SUD imposes on businesses and local communities.
The NCWDC Recovery Friendly Workplace program is available at no cost to employers across Western North Carolina. Through this initiative, employers will receive comprehensive training, access to valuable resources, and the opportunity to become officially designated as Recovery Friendly Workplaces through Recovery Friendly NC.
"Our goal is to educate employers on how to create a supportive environment where individuals in recovery can thrive and contribute to their workplaces," said Kit Roberts, Director of Recovery Friendly Workplace Programs at the NC Workforce Development Coalition "By providing employers with the tools and knowledge they need, we aim to create a more inclusive and understanding community that recognizes the value and potential of individuals in recovery."
Key components of the NCWDC Recovery Friendly Workplace program include:
Training: Comprehensive training sessions for employers and employees to increase awareness and understanding of SUD and recovery.
Resources: Access to a wide range of resources, including peer support services, educational materials, and recovery programs.
Designation: Official designation as a Recovery Friendly Workplace through Recovery Friendly NC, showcasing the employer's commitment to supporting recovery.
The program seeks to address the critical need for supportive work environments for individuals in recovery, ultimately contributing to healthier, more productive communities. By reducing the stigma associated with SUD and providing tangible support, NCWDB aims to create a lasting impact on the workforce and local economy.
For more information about the NCWDC Recovery Friendly Workplace program or to get involved, please visit https://www.wciinc.org/ncwdc/ or contact:
Kit Roberts
WCI, Inc.
828-713-5880
kroberts@wciinc.org
About North Carolina Workforce Development Coalition, Inc.
North Carolina Workforce Development Coalition, Inc is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing innovative solutions for workforce challenges that promote economic growth in the state. Kit Roberts serves as the Program Director for NCWDC.
About National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month, observed every September, aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and celebrate those in recovery. This year's theme, "Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community," highlights the importance of accessible recovery support for all.
Media Contact:
Kit Roberts
WCI, Inc.
828-210-1206
kroberts@wciinc.org
08-02-2024
SOURCE: WCI, Inc.
View the original press release on accesswire.com
