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.
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Timestamps:
00:00 – Opening & introductions
01:00 – How Hollan & Jacques first connected
05:00 – Breaking through shame and stigma in small towns
07:00 – The courage to walk into the mayor’s office
10:00 – Creating a task force with purpose and balance
13:00 – Building Peak of Hope: The outreach mission
17:00 – Lived experience and its role in public trust
21:00 – The power of family support in launching the task force
24:00 – From a hidden booth to community hugs: Peak Fest’s evolution
27:00 – The stigma in Wake County vs. Asheville
30:00 – Naloxone in Wake County Schools: A real victory
34:00 – Hope, collaboration, and how to get involved
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Key Points:
A mayor and a man with a felony conviction team up to build trust
Recovery stigma in Wake County and the courage to talk about it
The power of representation: why visibility matters in recovery
Supporting families with lived experience, not just data
Why this local model is gaining statewide attention
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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
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Guest Bios:
Jacques Gilbert
Mayor of Apex, NC | Former Police Captain | Community Advocate
Mayor 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 Steen
Director of Admissions, Asheville Recovery Center
Hollan’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.
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Resources Mentioned:
Town of Apex: https://www.apexnc.org (Search: Substance Misuse Task Force)
Asheville Recovery Center: https://www.ashevillerecoverycenter.com
Naloxone Programs in NC Schools
Circle of Security Parenting: https://circleofsecurityinternational.com
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Watch & Listen:
Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw
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