A new program aims to help residents of Graham County who have been in trouble with the law – and are dealing with substance issues – get back on their feet.
For approximately two months, a grant-funded Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program has been operating in the county. So far, the program has helped 21 people, including both those incarcerated and on probation.
The program hopes to help those it serves after their release, including with work, school and housing.
“It’s brand new,” said Graham County Social Service Tech Clinton Jones, who oversees the program. “I’m trying to find employers and housing (for program participants.)”
Jones said finding safe, affordable housing was one of the most difficult issues he was facing with the program in Graham County.
He said he was looking into housing some of this participants in a shelter or other similar environment.
“It’s ridiculously hard to find a place to live around here,” Jones said.
He added that the program was also partnering with other entities for support, including with Tri-County Community College for adult education courses in the Graham County Jail.
“They’ve been pretty good,” Jones said. “It seems we’re moving right along. It’s a great opportunity for people who need help with this kind of thing. I just hope it keeps going smoothly and we keep getting better at it.”
He also said employers who take on a graduate of the program would get a $1,500 insurance credit for them through the NCWorks program.
“We’ve got different things we can offer employers for hiring (program graduates),” Jones said.
He said more programs were being set up across western North Carolina. Jones also said that deputies could refer inmates to the program, or that it could be offered as a choice in court.
In long-term recovery for substance issues himself, Jones said he hoped the program would offer more people a similar second chance to his own.
For more information on the program, Jones can be reached at (828) 735-6514 or at clint.jones@grahamcounty.org. Jones noted that he was interested in working with renters and employers interested in helping with the program.