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First At Blue Ridge Inc

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 581946948 ✦ Ridgecrest, NC ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is First At Blue Ridge Inc?

First At Blue Ridge Inc is a nonprofit organization located in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. With a mission to empower individuals struggling with substance use disorders and behavioral health issues, they offer comprehensive residential treatment in a therapeutic community setting. Their residential rehabilitation program focuses on fostering social, vocational, psychological, educational, and spiritual growth among participants. The organization's aim is to provide opportunities, guidance, treatment, life skills, and vocational, educational, and employability skills development, empowering individuals to make positive life changes and become responsible and productive members of society. As of the provided information, First At Blue Ridge Inc employs 43 individuals.


Official website here: www.firstinc.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Rating from Charity Navigator: 92% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)

First At Blue Ridge Inc has achieved a solid Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong performance in accountability and finance. Their high score of 92% indicates a robust commitment to transparency, with significant marks for having a majority of independent board members and a favorable liabilities-to-assets ratio. The organization successfully demonstrates fiscal responsibility, particularly with an impressive program expense ratio of nearly 89%.

The nonprofit has established effective governance practices, including an Audit and Oversight Committee and documented board meeting minutes, contributing to a well-structured operational framework. However, there are areas for improvement, such as the absence of a whistleblower policy and failure to post their tax form on their website, which impacted their overall score.

In summary, First At Blue Ridge Inc stands out for its strong financial management and accountability practices, indicating a responsible approach to donor funds and organizational governance. Nonetheless, addressing existing gaps in their policies could enhance their overall transparency and trustworthiness.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

What do the Facebook reviews say about First At Blue Ridge Inc?

74% of 37 reviewers on Facebook recommend First At Blue Ridge Inc. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Many users express deep gratitude for the nonprofit’s impactful services, particularly highlighting life-changing experiences. One reviewer shares a heartfelt message about how the program saved their child's life, emphasizing the hope and support provided. The sentiment revolves around appreciation for the organization’s commitment to helping individuals rebuild their lives and achieve a sense of normalcy.

Overall, the feedback reflects a mixture of personal stories and positive outcomes, showcasing that the nonprofit is making a significant difference in the lives of those it serves.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is First At Blue Ridge Inc legitimate?

First At Blue Ridge Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. First At Blue Ridge Inc submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $166,564
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $976,846

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.firstinc.org

What is the mission statement of First At Blue Ridge Inc?

First At Blue Ridge Inc's mission is to offer opportunities, guidance, treatment, and skill development in various areas such as life skills, vocational, educational, and employment to individuals struggling with substance use disorders and behavioral health issues. The goal is to empower these individuals to make positive life changes, aiming for them to become responsible and productive members of society. Their residential rehabilitation program is designed to foster the social, vocational, psychological, educational, and spiritual growth of its participants.


Official website here: www.firstinc.org

Who is the CEO of First At Blue Ridge Inc?

Mark Merrick is the Admin. Coord of First At Blue Ridge Inc.


Official website here: www.firstinc.org

What is the revenue of First At Blue Ridge Inc?

First At Blue Ridge Inc's revenue in 2023 was $2,785,434.


Official website here: www.firstinc.org

Who are the executives of First At Blue Ridge Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at First At Blue Ridge Inc during 2023 was $26,591. There are 43 employees at First At Blue Ridge Inc.


Here are 7 key members and their salaries:


Joseph A Martinez (Admin. Coord)
  • Compensation: $87,170
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark Merrick (Executive Di)
  • Compensation: $79,394
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Higgins (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Eileen Scharfman Rn (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jason Keveryn Ba (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Johathan Cohen (Board Chairm)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marty Wilkinson (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.firstinc.org

Where can I find the form 990 for First At Blue Ridge Inc?

First At Blue Ridge Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.firstinc.org

Learn more at the official website: www.firstinc.org

Mission Statement of First At Blue Ridge Inc

First At Blue Ridge Inc's mission is centered around offering opportunities, guidance, and treatment to individuals struggling with substance use disorders and behavioral health issues. The organization aims to empower these individuals to make positive changes in their lives, ultimately transforming them into responsible and productive members of society. Through their comprehensive residential substance abuse and behavioral healthcare treatment program, First At Blue Ridge Inc facilitates the social, vocational, psychological, educational, and spiritual growth of its participants. This holistic approach is designed to equip individuals with the necessary life skills and vocational, educational, and employment abilities to lead fulfilling lives.

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Impact




July, 2024

First At Blue Ridge Inc's impact lies in providing comprehensive residential substance abuse and behavioral healthcare treatment in a therapeutic community setting. By offering a residential rehabilitation program designed to facilitate social, vocational, psychological, educational, and spiritual growth, First At Blue Ridge empowers individuals suffering from substance use disorders and behavioral health issues to make positive life changes. Their mission focuses on providing opportunity, guidance, treatment, life skills, and vocational, educational, and employability skills development to help participants become responsible and productive members of society. This organization plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of individuals struggling with addiction and behavioral health issues, ultimately contributing to reducing crime and fostering a healthier community.




This information is meant to be a general summary of First At Blue Ridge Inc. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$2,785,434 (2023)
Expenses
$2,525,527 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $7,237
  • Program Service Revenue: $812,280
  • Gross Receipts: $2,785,434

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $3,319,431
  • Total Liabilities: $516,216
  • Net Assets: $2,803,215

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

OUTSIDE LABOR REVENUES

Revenue

$767,510

CLIENT REGISTRATION & FEES

Revenue

$44,770

Organization Details

Founding Year

1990

Principal Officer

Mark Merrick

Main Address

PO BOX 40 32 KNOX ROAD, RIDGECREST, NC, 28770

NTEE Category

Code: I40Z - Crime

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