These 5 Programs are Connecting Clients to Community Resources 

How SouthLight’s 5 Embedded Programs Empower Communities and Transform Lives 

Did you know that SouthLight collaborates with various local agencies, including Oak City Cares and the Wake County Detention Center? From the courtroom to the classroom, discover how SouthLight’s five Embedded Programs provide vital support, resources and access to local services. 

SouthLight’s Embedded Programs: A Comprehensive Look 

SouthLight’s Embedded Programs are programs that are partnerships with other agencies and consists of five different programs and teams that support clients from adolescents to older adults.   

Learn about our five programs:  

1. ACE-1: Alternative Counseling Education 

Overview: The ACE-1 program is a partnership between SouthLight and Wake County Public Schools. Designed to keep students engaged in their education, ACE-1 addresses violations of school alcohol and drug policies by minimizing out-of-school suspensions and offering alternative education settings. 

Key features of Alternative Counseling Education: 

• Target group: Adolescents 
• Duration: 3 hours per week for three weeks 
• Goal: Reduce school absences due to substance use violations and re-engage students in their education 

2. SOAR: SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery  

Overview: SOAR assists unsheltered individuals with mental health or physical health challenges in accessing Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The program aims to expedite the application process, aiming for approval within 120 days. 

Key features of SOAR: 

• Target group: Unsheltered individuals with health challenges
• Goal: Accelerate access to SSI/SSDI benefits 
• Timeline: Approval typically within 120 days from application 

3. Transitional Care Team 

Overview:  Established through an 18-month grant from NCDHHS, the Transitional Care Team supports justice—involved individuals, aiming to reduce overdose deaths and recidivism. The team collaborates with multiple organizations, including the Wake County Detention Center, Oak City Cares and more. 

Key features: 

• Partnerships: Wake County Detention Center, Oak City Cares, StepUp Ministries, Capital Area Workforce Development/Wake Local Reentry Counsel 
• Goal: Connect individuals to treatment and additional support services within SouthLight 

4. Wake County QPSA: Qualified Professional Substance Abuse 

Overview:  In partnership with the Wake County Department of Social Services, this program assesses individuals applying for Food Stamps (EBT/FNS) and Work First benefits. It is specifically for those with controlled substance felony convictions since August 23, 1996.  

Key features of Wake County QPSA:

• Target group: Applicants for Food Stamps and Work First with felony convictions 
• Goal: Determine eligibility for benefits and assess substance use in child welfare cases  

5. Recovery Court 

Overview: Launched in April 2023, the Recovery Court program (previously known as Adult Treatment Courts) is a recent partnership between SouthLight and Wake County Government. SouthLight serves as the contracted treatment provider, focusing on comprehensive supervision and support for individuals with substance use issues. It is designed to support cases involving justice-involved participants who struggle with problematic substance use through comprehensive supervision, drug testing, treatment services and sanctions and incentives. 

Key features of Recovery Court: 

• Structure: Includes multidisciplinary teams with treatment professionals, judges, probation officers, case managers, public defenders, and district attorneys 
• Goal: assist the participants with receiving treatment that is monitored by the court to reduce social and health care costs to the community, increase safety of the community by reducing the health impact of violence and trauma and encourage individuals into long term recovery.  

Empowering Communities through Integrated Support Services 

SouthLight’s Embedded Programs demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting individuals from all walks of life. By partnering with schools, courts, and local agencies, we are bridging the gap in services and connecting clients to vital resources.  

The five programs mentioned above highlight the diverse ways in which SouthLight works to empower communities and foster long-term recovery. Whether helping students stay in school, assisting individuals in accessing social security benefits, or guiding justice-involved participants towards a healthier path, our integrated approach ensures that every one of our clients receives the support they need to thrive. 

Author: Dr. Lesli Davis, LCSW, LCAS, CSS-I, Operations Director of Embedded Programs