08/26/2026
This week we were happy to welcome our friends from Buncombe County to the High Country for a visit focused on diversion, recovery, and the power of community partnerships.
Our time together included a presentation on our diversion programs, followed by meaningful discussion with local stakeholders about how peer support, law enforcement, public safety, and community partners can work together to create pathways away from the justice system and toward recovery and stability.
Of course, no visit to Boone is complete without good food, so we also shared lunch from Stick Boy Kitchen !
We are always grateful for opportunities to learn from other communities, share what is working here in Watauga County, and talk openly about the challenges and opportunities that come with building effective diversion programs in rural communities.
Thank you to our Buncombe County partners including representatives from Asheville Police Department, Buncombe County Sheriffs Office, Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commissioners, and County Justice Services, County Manager’s Office, and Emergency Services for making the trip, and to our local stakeholders, Watauga County Sheriff's Office, Town of Boone Police Department, Watauga County Commissioners, and NCDHHS who joined us at the table.
Strong programs are built through effective partnerships, shared resources, and a commitment to creating better outcomes for individuals and communities.