The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is joining other First Responders and nonprofits in Buncombe County to help those with developmental disabilities. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Growth Through Opportunities program is a local partnership between first responders and public service agencies that hopes to make a difference and support a diverse workforce. This program’s cohort and partners will be touring the Courthouse tomorrow. Join us to learn more about the program.

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The Mission of the Buncombe County Growth through Opportunities Program is to enhance the lives of our cadets through training and confidence building objectives to promote a life of opportunity and contribution for individuals with intellectual and or developmental disabilities.

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The program began with the recognition that young adults with disabilities frequently encounter a need for services that outweighs the programs available to them. A community of agencies partnered to serve these individuals by providing them with valuable social and career experiences within a professional setting. The partners involved include the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, Asheville Police Department, City of Asheville Fire Department, Leicester Fire Department, Skyland Fire Department, The Arc of Buncombe County, Liberty Corner Enterprises and Universal MH/DD/SAS.

“This highly unique training program is one-of-a-kind, " shares Linda McDaniel, Director of The Arc of Buncombe County, it is meant to enhance their vocational and independent living skills and prepare them for community based employment. “This program is truly a win-win for those involved, " shares Konrad Fuhri, from the Leicester Fire Department. Fuhri has participated with various cohorts of the programming and attests to the positive outcomes for first responders and the young adult cadets involved. The program has received funding and support from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office since 2020 when the program launched. “This program allows my team to foster a commitment to engaging with the diverse community that represents Buncombe County, and supporting their opportunity to thrive. I am proud to support this program and the difference it is making with each individual it impacts,” shares Sheriff Quentin Miller.