First Contact Addiction Ministry was formed in 2011 by a group of individuals struggling with the devastation and heartbreak resulting from substance abuse. It was through this experience that they learned how frightening and difficult the process of navigating addiction assistance, law enforcement issues, and recovery options in our community can be.
Because addiction and substance abuse often are associated with a social stigma, many addicts and their families suffer in silence due to fear and potential incrimination.
This Christian-based group formed a simple plan for sharing what they learned with others in the community facing similar challenges, and began assisting individuals and family members, one-on-one, through the addiction recovery process.
With the assistance of Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC, we started a weekly support group for family members, as well as a mentor group for individuals seeking recovery support. In time, as word of the much needed assistance has spread, the group has grown, along with the vision for expansion.
In 2016, First Contact Ministries, Inc. received the “tax exempt” designation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are looking forward to the future where we can soon provide in-house rehabilitation support, and additional programs for recovering addicts.
FIRST CONTACT is a Shift
Substance abuse and addiction are serious issues, and they are increasing to epidemic proportions within our own small, local communities. While smaller communities are not immune to the ravages and devastation associated with these problems, they are often caught off-guard, and find themselves ill equipped to deal with the increased demands placed on health and human services providers, law enforcement, and government agencies. This often results in gaps in service or inadequate solutions for directly helping people and families caught in the fray.
FIRST CONTACT’s work is about causing a shift in the way our community thinks about addiction and recovery, defining solutions for implementation, and assisting people in the most effective, compassionate, ongoing way possible.
FIRST CONTACT is a Hub
First Contact Addiction Ministry is working hard to become our community’s “Welcome Center to Recovery.” Using compassionate, life-changing approaches, First Contact offers new hope to individuals and families suffering with substance abuse disorders. Since the group’s humble beginnings in 2011, over 200 people have participated in our non-clinical support programs, and are on the path to becoming dedicated participants toward promoting recovery for others in the community.
When individuals and families reach out to First Contact, there are no forms to fill out, no criteria to be met, no insurance required. Our programs are designed to provide easy and immediate access to services and long-term recovery support. We believe in supporting people throughout the entire recovery journey, not just in limited phases of the process. Our assistance is offered at no cost, and available to anyone who wants to participate.
FIRST CONTACT is a Family
We are a family joined together by the shared bond of the suffering caused by addiction. First Contact provides a safe place for participants to exchange grief, fear and drama with new hope, healing and help on the path to recovery. New friendships are formed as participants realize they are not alone. As healing increases, they are able to reach out to newcomers and others and similarly share the support they have received. If you or someone you love is suffering with substance abuse, know that you are not alone. Come join us!
