Homestead Recovery Center

05/18/2026

Sometimes the most meaningful reminders of why we do this work walk right back through our doors.

This week, we had the opportunity to reconnect with Daniel, who came by to share a part of his recovery journey with us and thank our team for helping him access recovery housing in 2024. At that time, we helped cover his entry fee and first 90 days at Launch Pad Recovery Services in Wilmington.

What Daniel has done with that opportunity since then is nothing short of incredible. Today, Daniel is still thriving in his recovery, and now managing the very recovery house he first moved into. His story is a powerful example of what can happen when determination, community support, and access to resources come together.

In the card he brought us, Daniel wrote:
“Thank you for giving me the keys to a brand new life.”
“The grace and opportunity you gave me helps to keep me sober every day.”

We often talk about the importance of recovery housing, peer support, transportation, and financial assistance, but Daniel’s journey is the real-life reminder of why those things matter. People can and do rebuild their lives when they are given a genuine chance and the support needed to succeed. This is part of the reason why we’re so proud to now operate two recovery homes in Boone.

Daniel, we are incredibly proud of you — not just for your sobriety, but for the way you are now leading and giving back to others walking the same path. Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your story.

05/15/2026

We’re hiring!

MRJC/ Homestead Recovery Center are looking for a Peer Support Specialist in Avery County to join our team.

This position will support individuals involved with or at risk of involvement in the justice system due to substance use, mental health, or behavioral health challenges. The role focuses on peer support, outreach, recovery support, advocacy, transportation, community engagement, and helping individuals navigate systems of care.

We’re looking for someone who is compassionate, community-minded, recovery-oriented, and passionate about walking alongside people as they work toward stability and wellness. Lived experience is valued, and NC Certified Peer Support Specialist certification is strongly preferred.

This is meaningful, relationship-centered work serving Avery County.

Apply through Indeed. Questions may be sent to [email protected]

https://www.indeed.com/job/peer-support-specialist-ae2e4f1c9022cff6

05/11/2026

MEET THE HOMESTEAD RECOVERY CENTER TEAM!

Next up on our staff spotlight is the wonderful Cierra Dinnall!

Cierra joined the team in 2024 as our Embedded Social Worker before recently transitioning to our Recovery on the Inside Case Manager! She enjoys seeing individuals discover their worth and watching them grow on their path to recovery. Cierra enjoys helping others through the healing process and advocating for change within the justice system.

Read on to learn more about Cierra!

What does restorative justice mean to you?
“Restorative Justice allows an individual to learn from the harm done rather than being permanently defined by it. They are able to acknowledge the harm caused and work towards fixing it. Restorative Justice allows the victim’s voice to be heard while allowing repair to be done.”

What does it mean to “meet people where they are?”
“Meeting people where they are is about showing up for someone at all stages in their recovery. Not by walking in front of or behind them, but walking with them and understanding that everyone has different goals and needs for their lives. It’s showing up no matter what and listening with an open ear and respect.”

What was your dream job as a kid?
“I wanted to be a 4th grade teacher.”

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
“An iced Americano with Blackberry and Lavender.”

What is your favorite local restaurant?
“Wild Craft Eatery.”

What is your go-to playlist/artist/band?
“My go-to playlist is Pandora’s Indie Folk Radio Station.”

What is your perfect day off?
“Going to a coffee shop, reading a book, and spending some alone time.”

We appreciate you, Cierra!!

05/09/2026

Congratulations to our very own Heather Smith, who graduated from Lees-McRae this morning with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Human Services ✨🎉 .

While working full time as our Recovery Housing Coordinator, Heather has continued to show up every day with compassion, dedication, and commitment to the people we serve, all while balancing the demands of school and work. Her hard work, perseverance, and passion for helping others are truly inspiring.

We are so proud of you, Heather, and grateful for everything you bring to our team and community. Congratulations on this well-earned achievement, we can’t wait to see all the amazing things ahead for you!

05/05/2026

Check out our support group meetings for May! 📅 📘⭐️

05/05/2026

👏👏👏

Meet our Co-Response Team, Officer Scott Delaney and Peer Support Specialist Christian Gregson!
🚔You may have seen these two riding around together, responding to various crisis situations, welfare checks, and other calls for service where there may be a need to connect community members to specialized resources.🧩
👮🏼‍♂️They are a busy duo! Their role goes beyond responding. They actively follow up with everyone they assist and all referrals from our officers.
We're grateful for the support of the community, other agencies, and Homestead Recovery Center for their partnership!

For more information on this initiative, check out the Watauga Democrat article from May : https://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/local/meet-people-with-care-local-agencies-partner-to-expand-behavioral-health-crisis-response/article_96c1052c-a421-41a9-a570-c94cfe507609.html

04/24/2026

🌟 Resident of the Month: Amanda 🌟

This month, we’re excited to recognize Amanda as our Resident of the Month!

Amanda is a full time volunteer and is truly the heart behind so much of what happens here. As our Volunteer Coordinator, she helps manage the office, keeps inventory running smoothly, and supports resident volunteers — all while showing up with consistency, care, and a deep commitment to service. She is often the first one here in the morning and the last to leave, always willing to go the extra mile to make sure things are taken care of.

As a resident of The Homeplace, Amanda has also shown incredible growth and dedication in her own recovery. She leads by example, putting in the work every day to build a healthy, stable life. That progress doesn’t just impact her, it reaches across the houses. Amanda is always the first to offer help, encouragement, or support to other residents, and plays a big role in creating the strong sense of community we have here.

Her generosity, leadership, and dedication do not go unnoticed — our team truly would not be the same without her.

We’re so grateful for everything you bring to this community, Amanda. We appreciate you, and we’re proud of you! 💛

04/20/2026

✨MEET THE HOMESTEAD RECOVERY CENTER TEAM!
Next up on our staff spotlight is the wonderful David Sanders!

David is our Peer Services Coordinator and has been staff with Homestead since 2024. He began his journey here as a participant before stepping into a staff role—making him our second full-circle staff member. Today, he uses his lived experience to walk alongside others navigating their own recovery journeys.

In his role at Homestead, David oversees all Peer Services activities, including day center programming, supplies outreach, group facilitation, trainings, and community events. He also serves as a task supervisor for interns, facilitates weekly SMART Recovery meetings, and is our designated grill master. Read on to learn more about David!

What does restorative justice mean to you?
“Restorative Justice, to me, means to repair harm instead of just punishing the person.”

What does it mean to “meet people where they are?”
“Meeting people as they are without judgement.”

What was your dream job as a kid?
“I wanted to be an engineer”

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
“An iced caramel mocha.”

What is your favorite local restaurant?
“New River Grill”

What is your go-to playlist/artist/band?
“Nu Breed!”

What is your perfect day off?
“A nice warm day!”

We appreciate you, David!

04/15/2026

We’re incredibly honored to share that Homestead Recovery Center has been named 2026 Best of the Best Civic/Community Organization, and our very own Mollie Bolick and Dale Hudler were recognized as Best Public Servant and Best Therapist 🏆

Thank you to our community for this recognition, it truly means so much. Our work is rooted in community-driven solutions, so to be recognized by the very community we serve is especially meaningful.

This honor belongs to our staff, partners, and everyone who shows up every day committed to building pathways to recovery, connection, and hope. We’re grateful to do this work alongside you.

💙 Thank you for believing in what we do.

04/10/2026

✨MEET THE HOMESTEAD RECOVERY CENTER TEAM!

Over the next couple weeks we’ll be introducing some of our wonderful team here at Homestead Recovery Center through a staff spotlight, first up is Crystal Trivette! Crystal has been a part of the Homestead team since 2023, beginning as a LEAD Peer Support Specialist before becoming LEAD Case Manager and now serving as our High Country LEAD Coordinator. In her role, Crystal supervises the LEAD team, leads our regional planning and expansion efforts, and supports key administrative functions that help keep the program running strong. Read on to learn more about her!

What does restorative justice mean to you?
“Restorative Justice, to me, means repairing the harm done to both the victim and the individual who caused the harm. Seeing people as individuals with underlying issues who deserve a chance to make amends and better choices.”

🟣 What does it mean to “meet people where they are?”
“To me, this means that if a person is in active chaotic use and has no desire to stop, we still treat them as people deserving of having their needs met. We do not expect people to be any different than they are, and all people deserve respect and autonomy over their lives.”

🟣 What was your dream job as a kid?
“I wanted to be a third grade teacher.”

🟣 What is your go-to coffee shop order?
“Vanilla Frappuccino.”

🟣 What is your favorite local restaurant?
“Tucker’s.”

🟣 What is your go-to playlist/artist/band to play in the Center?
“90’s Alternative!”

🟣 What is your perfect day off?
“Going on a solo hike, sitting by the river, anything outside really.”

We appreciate you, Crystal!