09/16/2026
We are Growing! Introducing High Country LEAD!
We're excited to share the next chapter of MRJC/Homestead Recovery Center's LEAD program! Watauga LEAD is expanding to become High Country LEAD (Letting Everyone Advance With Dignity), allowing us to bring our peer-led case management services to Ashe and Avery Counties while continuing to serve Watauga County.
LEAD is a peer-led case management program that works with individuals who are at risk of justice involvement, are currently justice-involved, or are returning to the community after incarceration.
~ Avery ~
This expansion also represents the next step for our peer-led work in Avery County. What began with the Avery RV—bringing outreach, resources, and mobile support directly into the community—is growing into a more established resource with a designated physical office. This allows us to build on the relationships and community connections already developed while creating a consistent home base for services in Avery County.
Brittany will continue doing the same work you know her for—just from a new home base! Come see her at:
📍 723 Cranberry St.
Newland, NC 28657
~ Ashe ~
We're also excited to officially expand LEAD services into Ashe County and welcome Jeannie Berry as our Ashe LEAD Case Manager!
Jeannie brings a wealth of experience, strong community connections, and, most importantly, the trust she has built through years of working alongside individuals and families in Ashe County. Her knowledge of the community and the resources available throughout the county will be an incredible asset as we establish High Country LEAD in Ashe.
While we work toward securing a permanent physical location, Jeannie will be working mobile throughout Ashe County, meeting people where they are and connecting individuals with the support and resources they need. We're excited to build this program alongside the Ashe County community and look forward to sharing more as it grows!
Our LEAD teams can assist with:
• Housing resources
• Healthcare and treatment connections
• Obtaining critical documents, including IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards
• Employment resources
• Recovery and peer support
• Transportation resources
• …and much more!
As we grow, our goal remains the same: to meet people where they are, reduce barriers, and provide compassionate, person-centered support. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to advance with dignity, support, and hope.
We're incredibly excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to bring LEAD services to more communities across the High Country.
Soon, we'll introduce you to the High Country LEAD team serving Watauga, Ashe, and Avery Counties. Stay tuned!
(pictured left to right is Watauga LEAD Peer Support Laura Coffey Butler, Watauga LEAD Case Manager Katlynd Taylor, High Country LEAD Coordinator Crystal Trivette, Avery LEAD Case Manager & Outreach Coordinator Brittany Matheson, and Ashe LEAD Case Manager Jeannie Berry)
