NCRAW Podcast

Amanda currently works as a Case Manager with the Buncombe County Re-Entry Council, which provides supportive services (housing, education, transportation, and employment) to people returning to Buncombe County from state prison. Prior to re-entry work, she worked as a substance use counselor at a medication-assisted treatment center for several years. Amanda has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNCA and plans to go for a Masters in Social Work.  

Amanda identifies as a person living in long-term wellness and recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. She moved to the Asheville area in 2010 to enter into long-term treatment and found this to be what she considers home. She volunteers with a local non-profit called Seek Healing which offers services for people in recovery and is based on the idea that the opposite of addiction is authentic connection.

We welcome Jeremy French, Director of Making Whole to the podcast. Jeremy is clean and sober since 1995. He is a husband, father of 2, craftsman, and ball player. He lives by an idea best expressed by Thoreau- "Be true to your work, your word, and your friends"

Making Whole is an addiction recovery process built into the framework of a traditional apprenticeship program. Men are taught the creative process– a method of problem-solving that is practical, relatable, tangible, scientific, and spiritual. Making Whole is built on a simple premise: the mentor/student relationship overpowers the ego barriers of addiction. Once these barriers are broken, the work of building studio-quality furniture provides a perfect metaphor for sustainable recovery and a successful life. In short, Making Whole embodies the two things that are indispensable for someone new to recovery: intimacy and direction.

Lauren Garvie & Sue Polston of Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness

Kallup McCoy & Steve Steen