Project Acorn
The Location
We have purchased 10 acres of undeveloped land on Farigrounds Road between Forest City and Spindale. This property is conveniently located to a significant number of social services including the Department of Social Services (DSS), Veterans Services, Health Department, Probation and Parole, Transit, and public library. It is also walking distance from Isothermal Community College and a multitude of employment opportunities. The thermal belt rail trail is also walking distance from the property. Locating our program centrally to these services will ensure transportation barriers are minimized for all engaging with us and our collaborators.
The Program
Collaborating closely with FIRST at Blue Ridge and Burke Recovery our program will provide the highest quality of recovery care for the residents of Rutherford, Polk, McDowell, Burke, and Cleveland Counties. FIRST will provide program design and oversight honed over 30+ years of caring for the communities of Western North Carolina. This program management will ensure the most stringent evidence based practices are utilized in every aspect of our program. Burke Recovery will provide case management and clinical support developed in their 50+ years of practice experience. Together, this collaboration will lay the framework for all of the supportive services of our communities to converge seamlessly under one organization.
The Community
Final design of the community is not yet finalized and changes are expected as we strive to meet the needs of our future residents and the communities we will serve. Below is one floor plan being considered for our recovery residences. What is certain is that these homes will be operated to meet highest standards set by National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR). Residents engaged in active recovery will have a safe and supportive environment that will allow them to focus on the difficult work of growth and healing.
Our community building will serve as an ideal location for our residents to come together. A large commercial kitchen and lounge space can support community development activities. Flex space can accommodate programs like support groups, yoga classes, job fairs, and so much more. Shared office space will allow collaborating agencies to come to our residents rather than requiring participants to travel to each agency.
The community layout provides the familiar feel of a suburban community. Participants engaged with us will receive their support in an environment that feels far less clinical and more like a home.
The Detox and Residential Facility
Longer term plans include the construction of the ACRN treatment facility. Once completed, this facility will boast 8 medical detox beds and 50 residential treatment beds. Additional office space will be available for community partners to engage program participants at all stages of recovery. This facility will be setup to meet American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) 3 certification guidelines. ASAM is the foremost authority in the nation regarding substance abuse treatment at all levels of care. Regular monitoring and evaluation will ensure residents are receiving the level of care they need at all times.
Beyond Treatment
The value of workforce training and employment assistance can not be emphasized enough. Individuals in recovery often have barriers from their past that disrupt or derail the recovery process. Engaging community resources that provide intensive vocational support is vital in maintaining a meaningful recovery. Several organizations are working closely together in and around Rutherford County to provide this much needed assistance. ACRN will work closely with these organizations to identify the best employment opportunities that not only serve as a source of income, but also provide a sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction. For participants interested in starting a business of their own, ACRN will work closely with community partners to support those endeavors whenever possible as well.
