How diverse is the Foundations community?

Foundations is all-gender inclusive and welcomes neurotypical and neurodivergent young adults with a wide range of personalities and life experiences. The materials do not explicitly address racial, cultural, or socioeconomic diversity.

Are students required to attend all activities?

Program materials emphasize student choice, autonomy, and self-directed participation, noting that students choose which activities to engage in.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How do I know that Foundations Asheville is right for me?

Foundations is designed for kind, low-risk young adults who want to build independence and benefit from relational, skill-based support. It is not a fit for individuals needing acute or primary treatment, medication stabilization, or substance abuse treatment. Admissions consultations are encouraged to assess fit before enrollment.

Q: Is Foundations Asheville a treatment program?

Foundations Asheville is described as an education in healthy independent living. While clinical services are provided, including individual therapy, group therapy, and parent coaching, it is not positioned as a primary or residential treatment program. The model centers on skill-building, autonomy, and real-world application rather than intensive clinical containment.

Q: Is Foundations sober or substance-free?

Foundations serves students who are capable of maintaining sobriety in a health-driven community. Primary substance abuse or active substance-seeking behavior is a rule-out for admission.

Q: How much structure is there day to day?

There is a consistent backdrop of programming, but each student develops an individualized schedule based on their goals and needs. Daily life is guided by six life pillars rather than a rigid universal timetable.

Foundations Fit & Community

Where do Foundations students come from?

Foundations Asheville serves young adults ages 18–25 from a wide range of backgrounds. Students often include graduates of primary young adult programs, college students whose education was interrupted (including during COVID), and young adults who feel capable but “stuck” and want support building confidence, independence, and life skills. Students may be neurotypical or neurodivergent and come from across the country.

How do I know that Foundations Asheville is right for me?

What types of students are not a good fit for Foundations?

Foundations Asheville is not a fit for individuals with severe or persistent mental health challenges, active suicidality, aggressive or unsafe behaviors, a need for ongoing medication stabilization, primary substance abuse or active substance-seeking behavior, intellectual impairment, or neurodivergent presentations requiring substantial support. Students with personality or thought disorder diagnoses, reactive attachment disorder, or other primary treatment needs are also ruled out.

Back view of a row of young multi-ethnic students walking together in the park

Program Philosophy & Safety

Is Foundations Asheville a treatment program?

Foundations Asheville is described as “an education in healthy independent living.” While clinical services are provided—including individual therapy, group therapy, and parent coaching—it is not positioned as a primary treatment or residential treatment program. The model centers on skill-building, autonomy, and real-world application rather than intensive clinical containment.

How do you support student safety without being overly restrictive?

Foundations emphasizes indicated support over supervision. Students live in low-risk, mentor-supported environments and receive regular check-ins, clinical support, and skill coaching, while maintaining freedom appropriate to their stage of independence. Safety is supported through relationships, ongoing engagement, and targeted interventions rather than constant monitoring or restrictive controls.

Is Foundations sober or substance-free?

Daily Life & Structure

What’s it like to be there?

Students experience a balance of city life and retreat-style living in a vibrant mountain town known for arts, wellness, education, and outdoor adventure. Days are student-driven, with access to a private student center, small group housing, individualized meetings, and 30+ weekly activities spanning academics, wellness, hobbies, social life, and career exploration.

How much structure is there day to day?

Are there options for exercising or physical activity?

What is the social culture like?

Housing, Location & Transportation

Where is Foundations Asheville located?

Foundations Asheville is located in Asheville, North Carolina, with a private student center at 90 Church Street in the heart of downtown. Student residences and apartments are clustered in nearby neighborhoods around downtown Asheville.

How does housing work?

How do students get around Asheville?

Academics, Work & Career Pathways

What academic options exist with Foundations Asheville?

Students can pursue college courses (often through UNC Asheville or AB Tech), vocational training, internships, employment, or independent/remote study. Foundations provides academic advising, executive function coaching, study skills support, and assistance navigating registration and accommodations.

Does Foundations help students figure out next steps if college isn’t the answer?

Can students have jobs or internships?

Technology, Money & Life Skills

Do you support students with technology?

Yes. Foundations offers individualized Tech Health Programming designed to help students build a healthy, effective relationship with technology. As part of Stage 1 enrollment, students are provided a MacBook Air enrolled in Apple Education technology programming, and ongoing skill work is tailored to each student’s needs and goals.

Will I be able to have money?

Length of Stay, Cost & Outcomes

What is the typical length of stay?

Foundations offers a flexible, individualized length of stay with no minimum requirement. The average stay is 6–12 months, though this varies based on each student’s goals and needs.

Is there a cost to participate?

What happens after a student leaves Foundations?

What does “success” look like at Foundations?