In this moving and unfiltered episode of Finding New Waters, we’re joined by Mayor Jacques Gilbert and Hollan Steen, Director of Admissions at Asheville Recovery Center, to share the remarkable story of Apex, North Carolina’s Substance Misuse Task Force.The episode explores how a mayor and a formerly incarcerated man formed an unlikely alliance to battle addiction stigma, increase recovery resources, and create a more welcoming and inclusive community. They discuss the founding of the task force, the courage it took to start conversations about addiction in a conservative environment, and how their partnership has inspired other municipalities to take notice.It’s a powerful testimony to the healing potential of connection, humility, and action at the local level.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Opening & introductions01:00 – How Hollan & Jacques first connected05:00 – Breaking through shame and stigma in small towns07:00 – The courage to walk into the mayor’s office10:00 – Creating a task force with purpose and balance13:00 – Building Peak of Hope: The outreach mission17:00 – Lived experience and its role in public trust21:00 – The power of family support in launching the task force24:00 – From a hidden booth to community hugs: Peak Fest’s evolution27:00 – The stigma in Wake County vs. Asheville30:00 – Naloxone in Wake County Schools: A real victory34:00 – Hope, collaboration, and how to get involved🔑 Key Points:A mayor and a man with a felony conviction team up to build trustRecovery stigma in Wake County and the courage to talk about itThe power of representation: why visibility matters in recoverySupporting families with lived experience, not just dataWhy this local model is gaining statewide attention💬 Powerful Quote:“A government official sitting on a couch with a convicted felon, saying together we want to change the world—that would’ve never happened in Apex. Until now.” – Hollan Steen🧠 Guest Bios:Jacques GilbertMayor of Apex, NC | Former Police Captain | Community AdvocateMayor Gilbert served 29 years in law enforcement before being elected mayor. He’s known for his commitment to connection, inclusion, and showing up for those who feel unseen.Hollan SteenDirector of Admissions, Asheville Recovery CenterHollan’s journey from incarceration to recovery leader is a testament to the power of second chances. He now leads admissions at ARC and speaks nationally about stigma, advocacy, and lived experience.🌐 Resources Mentioned:Town of Apex: https://www.apexnc.org (Search: Substance Misuse Task Force)Asheville Recovery Center: https://www.ashevillerecoverycenter.comNaloxone Programs in NC SchoolsCircle of Security Parenting: https://circleofsecurityinternational.com📱 Follow Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecoveryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecoveryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recoveryTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc▶️ Watch & Listen:Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5GjwApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXwYouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

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