Linked4Life launches program to offer free counseling to food and beverage workers

ASHEVILLE, NC (WLOS) — of Linked4Life Foundation is launching an extensive program that includes creating a peer-to-peer network of mental health resources and offering free counseling sessions to food and beverage workers in Asheville.

According to a press release, the effort aims to help as many local food and beverage workers as the Foundation, located at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ on Coxe Avenue, can. This includes people who may be dealing with anything from housing insecurity, substance abuse to juggling work and family responsibilities. The goal is to provide up to six counseling sessions at no cost to any employee who needs mental health services, the release said.

All Souls Counseling Centera local nonprofit that provides sliding scale mental health counseling services to adults in Western North Carolina, is partnering with Linked4Life.

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“We need to break the stigma of mental health and send a clear message to those who need it most that they are not alone,” Cheryl Antoncic, co-owner of Bear’s Smokehouse and founder of the Linked4Life Foundation, said in the release. “Being in the food and beverage industry, we know how impactful this initiative will be for our entire Asheville community.”

The program is supported by several Asheville institutions, including Asheville Pizza & Brewing, Chai Pani, Green Man Brewing/Green Man Eats!, Hi-Wire Brewing, Wicked Weed Brewing Funkatorium and Chemist Spirits/Antidote. Antoncic said Linked4Life is also seeking additional supporters, particularly from the food and beverage industry.

All Souls Counseling Center Executive Director Meredith Switzer said the organization is “proud to partner with Linked4Life on this important initiative.

“It is important for the Asheville community to support our hardworking food and beverage workers, who are such a vital part of our city and economy,” Switzer said in the release. “This program will make a difference for people who often don’t have access to the mental health services they need.”

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Linked4Life will also work with partners to create peer networks for mental health resources. These programs aim to help organizations improve the well-being of their members or employees, the release said.

The leader of this effort with the Foundation will be Dr. Laura K. Jones, who runs a mental wellness consulting practice called Mindwell Consulting, LLC. In 2022, Jones led the development of a successful mental health peer network program for student-athletes in the UNC Asheville Department of Athletics. According to the release, she regularly works with local and state organizations to develop programs and cultures that support mental health, wellness and holistic performance.

The foundation will hold an information session about the initiative, “Be a Mental Health Champion for the Food and Beverage Industry,” for potential partners and supporters from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 25 at the Bear’s location Smokehouse at 135 Coxe Ave. To kick off the initiative, the Foundation will inaugurate its new HOPE bus on July 4, the release said.

The HOPE Bus is a former food truck reimagined at Bear’s Smokehouse, located in the heart of the South Slope District. Antoncic said the bus will be a place for people to share messages of hope and demonstrate their commitment to breaking the stigma of mental health.

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Bus visitors can make a $6 donation and receive a pair of blue Linked4Life carabiners, which are metal clips that symbolize the power of connection. One visitor can hold one, and the next visitor comes with a tag to write a message of hope to hang on the HOPE bus. It will be open daily from noon to 8pm and will also feature artwork by local muralist Ian Wilkinson.

The July 4 launch of the HOPE Bus at Bear’s Smokehouse will be part of a Linked4Life celebration called “Mental Health Is Not Bull.” Visitors can see the HOPE bus, barbecue and take a turn with a mechanical bull.

After the city’s 4th of July fireworks in the South Slope neighborhood, the party will continue with a performance by BoogiTherapi, an Asheville-based funk band fronted by Ryan Barber.

To register for the June 25 information session, click here.