First Step Farm of WNC, Inc. – Men’s Residential Treatment Facility
First Step Farm of WNC, Inc. operates a licensed residential supervised living center specifically for substance-dependent adult men. Established in 1977, the Men’s Facility is dedicated to providing a structured environment where residents can actively pursue sustained sobriety and personal rehabilitation. Located in Candler, North Carolina, the program emphasizes rebuilding self-respect and esteem as foundational elements for long-term recovery.
Program Philosophy and Approach
The core mission of the treatment program is centered around helping individuals understand the nature of their substance dependency problem, thereby cultivating the necessary motivation for lasting abstinence. The facility operates under the guidance of qualified, licensed staff, many of whom are in recovery themselves, offering a deep well of lived experience and professional expertise. This central focus on the resident’s attitude, motivation, and performance is what drives the treatment process forward.
Central to the therapeutic model is strong support for 12 Step self-help fellowships. Residents are encouraged to engage with these positive influences, integrating the principles into their daily lives to support a recovery-oriented lifestyle. This holistic approach ensures that residents are not only addressing the physical aspects of dependency but also the behavioral and emotional factors.
Work Therapy and Job Skills Training
A key differentiator of the First Step Farm program is its integration of work therapy, fostering valuable job skills and a sense of responsibility. The Men’s Facility is well-known as a respected supplier of high-quality vegetable transplants for the local farming community, giving residents a tangible, meaningful outlet for their efforts. This element of the program serves a dual purpose: it offers job skills training that aids in successful reintegration into society, and it helps residents restore self-efficacy through productive contribution.
The facility is capable of accommodating up to 22 residents, ensuring that each individual receives personalized attention and support within a close-knit community setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of the Men’s Facility?
The Men’s Facility is structured to accommodate up to 22 adult male residents at one time.
Is the facility licensed?
Yes, First Step Farm of WNC, Inc. is licensed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
What is the primary method of treatment used?
The program integrates work therapy and strongly supports participation in 12 Step self-help fellowships, focusing on motivation and the restoration of self-respect as key components of sustained recovery.
Does the program offer services beyond counseling?
Yes, residents participate in a work therapy program, including involvement with the facility’s greenhouse, which aids in job skills training and building a sense of productive contribution.



