Givens Highland Farms is designated as a Recovery Friendly Workplace that supports health, wellness and safety through a culture that breaks down the stigma often associated with the disease of addiction, substance use and recovery.

Helping us in those efforts is Learning-To-Lead LLC, an area group that coordinates the assignment of vocational trainees to entry-level positions with local employers that welcome second-chance candidates. Through a partnership with FIRST at Blue Ridge, clients receive clinical care, campus housing, daily essentials and case management needed to overcome socioeconomic barriers, substance use disorder and justice involvement.

“Learning-To-Lead manages vocational training and career development initiatives for FIRST at Blue Ridge’s long-term recovery program,” said organizational director Terry Houck, Jr. “We are fortunate enough to be partnered with Givens Communities — which means that our candidates are given the chance to interview for entry-level positions in Dining, Grounds Maintenance, and Environmental Services. This has significantly enhanced the outcomes that we are able to achieve because our candidates are excited about the inclusive culture and advancement opportunities that Givens Communities provides.

“We are seeing our retention rates improve — and several FIRST at Blue Ridge graduates have already been hired on full time,” he said. “Ultimately, lives are being saved through this partnership, and we hope that other employers in Western North Carolina will follow the example that Givens Communities has set.”