WNC HUMAN SERVICES NETWORK
HIGHTS recognizes the value of human services providers in helping our communities thrive. HIGHTS’ Western Carolina Human Services Network is a group of individuals and agencies committed to serving vulnerable people in WNC. This group creates strategies and opportunities that will develop and maintain a culturally responsive and high-quality workforce for Western North Carolina citizens. We recognize that access to excellent behavioral health services promotes better outcomes for the individuals we serve. Therefore, the West must have a stable, consistent human services workforce. We hope to recruit and sustain the human services workforce to meet the behavioral health needs of youth and families by 2030. The program includes the following components:
Internship Placement Program: HIGHTS offers comprehensive internships for students in the Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Recreation Therapy, Spanish, and Human Services Associate programs. HIGHTS collaborates with partnering employers to share training, research projects, and learning opportunities, providing students with a multidisciplinary experience.
HIGHTS Youth Council: The HIGHTS Youth Council empowers young leaders ages 16–21 to make a difference in their communities. Members learn about career pathways in mental health, addiction, and human rights while building leadership, advocacy, and teamwork skills. The Council develops awareness campaigns to fight stigma, promote access to care, and advocate for youth rights across Western North Carolina.
Training Program: Evidence-based, affordable, accessible, and engaging trainings are facilitated by local experts in their field. HIGHTS provides contact hours through the NCSAPPB and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselors. HIGHTS, Inc. will be providing a training series on mental health and addiction topics, CEUs included! Contact gretametcalf@hights.org/8283991399 if you are interested in joining our training email list. Trainings are usually at 9:00, 1-2 hours long, and virtual. We will offer some In-person training depending on need.
Supervision: A robust supervision program includes a network of high-quality supervisors. It offers trainings for supervisors, learning collaborative opportunities, and supervision for supervisors to obtain necessary credentials.
Health and Wellness Opportunities: Various self-care and social activities prevent burnout and promote fun! These include social gatherings, wellness retreats, outdoor adventure excursions, etc.
Appalachian Regional Commission Inspire Initiative – Expanding the Recovery Ecosystem for Western North Carolina Youth
Please view the final report, which summarizes key findings, regional priorities, and actionable recommendations designed to guide funders, employers, and educational institutions in building a stronger, more coordinated recovery ecosystem for the future.
To learn more about the program, contact Greta Metcalf at gretametcalf@hights.org
