November 4, 2026 • The Summit, Johnson City, Tennessee
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET • Register Here
The Connect Appalachia Peer Meeting brings together organizations across Appalachia that are building and strengthening recovery‑to‑work ecosystems. Hosted by CREC and the First Tennessee Development District (FTTD), this full‑day gathering offers practical strategies, peer learning, and opportunities to deepen relationships across the region.
This meeting is designed for ARC INSPIRE and POWER grantees, Connect Appalachia anchors and their local partners, recovery community organizations, treatment providers, workforce and economic development organizations, and employers committed to hiring people in recovery. Participants will leave with new contacts, shared approaches from other regions, and clear next steps for their local ecosystems.
Agenda Overview
Session 1: Recovery‑to‑Work Ecosystems
Leif Olson (CREC) will present the Recovery‑to‑Work Ecosystem Builder’s Guide, explaining the tools available and when to use them. Participants will then discuss how organizations coordinate within an ecosystem, including:
- How different organizations work together
- What each organization needs to coordinate effectively
- Building long‑term ecosystems that support people in recovery
- The role of wraparound services
Session 2: Employer Stigma
Participants will work in small groups to explore:
- Common employer concerns
- Strategies to address stigma
- What successful employer engagement looks like
Groups will share their findings with the full room.
Session 3: Employer Engagement
A facilitated discussion on employer relationships, including:
- Strategies employers respond to—and strategies that cause hesitation
- Building lasting employer partnerships
- Creating hiring pathways with employers who trust your organization
Session 4: Employer Training with ETSU
East Tennessee State University will present on the services they offer to employers and supervisors, including:
- Employer and supervisor training
- Policy reviews
- Engaging leadership during training
- Results from their work
Participants will have dedicated time for questions and discussion with the ETSU team.
Who Should Attend
- ARC INSPIRE and POWER grantees
- Connect Appalachia state anchors and local partners
- Recovery community organizations and peer support providers
- Treatment providers
- Workforce boards, chambers, and economic development organizations
- Employers who hire—or want to hire—people in recovery
End‑of‑Day Wrap‑Up
The meeting will conclude with a discussion of ecosystem needs and next steps for participating organizations. Bob Isaacson will provide a summary of the day and preview upcoming Connect Appalachia events, including a webinar on opioid settlement funds.