Founder, Becky Yates, Retires

Caring Services Executive Director, Becky Yates, will resign at the end of March after founding and leading the organization for 30 years. In 1994, Becky and her husband Jim Yates, launched what would later become Caring Services as a single home so that men coming out of in-patient substance abuse treatment would have a place free of drugs and alcohol to build their recovery foundation. Over the years, Caring Services has expanded to provide a holistic continuum of care to individuals ready to commit to recovery.

"I am grateful that Caring Services has been able to serve so many in our community along their recovery journey. While I will continue to volunteer with Caring Services, I know that it is time for me to step away as ED and let someone else lead. Building this organization has been one of the most meaningful things I have done and I feel good about where we are headed."

The Board has appointed Teresa Hinkle as the next Executive Director of Caring Services, effective April 1. Hinkle, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and Certified Clinical Supervisor currently serves as the Clinical Director at Caring Services, Inc. Hinkle is a skilled practitioner who combines strong clinical skills and effective program design abilities to build flexible and creative clinical services that meet the needs of clients.

"Given her tenure at Caring Services, her deep commitment to clients and our community, and her incredible leadership skills, we are confident in Teresa's ability to serve as the next ED," says Sallie Kelton, Caring Services Board Chair.

Today, the agency owns and operates ten transitional houses in the High Point community, which can house 94 individuals. Caring Services is recognized in the community and throughout the state as having an innovative and comprehensive approach to providing services based on best practices. Services include transitional housing (a 6-24 month) program, supported living through recovery apartments, a substance abuse intensive outpatient program (SAIOP), outpatient treatment, case management services, life skills development, Veteran's specific services through the Vet Safety Net, individual and group counseling, DWI services, a food pantry, and a clothing donations closet. In close partnership with community organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies, Caring Services has served more than 6,000 individuals since its inception.

Hinkle has seen firsthand the impact of Caring Services on many and is ready to transition into the Executive Director role. "Becky and our team have built something meaningful at Caring Services and I am excited to leverage our strengths and look for ways that Caring Services can have even more impact in our local community.”

Yates will likely return to her career as a Realtor after taking a well-deserved break to care for family members. Kelton shares, "I am thankful to Becky for her commitment and countless contributions to Caring Services since its inception. She will certainly be missed in the day-to-day operations of Caring Services, but we know she will continue to be a supporter of the organization she founded and loves."