Rutherford County NC Department of Social Services

21/07/2026

FREE Transportation to Isothermal Community College!💙💚

Getting to class has never been easier. Rutherford County Transit and Polk County Transit are proud to partner with Isothermal Community College to provide FREE transportation for eligible current and prospective ICC students through June 30, 2028.

•Free transportation to and from ICC campuses
• Available for classes, workforce training, certification programs, and more
• Recurring rides can be scheduled for the semester
•Accessible vehicles available upon request
•Eligible graduates may qualify for a FREE 60-day work pass

🗓️ Service begins July 1, 2026

To schedule a ride, call:
• Rutherford County Transit: 828-287-6339
• Polk County Transit: 828-894-8203

Learn more at RideToICC.com.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with anyone who may benefit from this opportunity!

15/07/2026

🌿FREE Nutrition Support is Available!

Looking to build a healthier relationship with food while supporting your recovery? United Way of Rutherford County is offering FREE one-on-one nutrition counseling and a 7-week virtual Nutrition in Recovery Workshop Series led by Registered Dietitian Molly Edwards, MPH, RD.

Topics include:
-Nutrition and recovery
-Building a healthier relationship with food
-Meal planning and grocery shopping
-Body image and body acceptance

To learn more, register for the workshop, or schedule your first nutrition counseling appointment, contact Molly Edwards at [email protected].

Please see the flyers below for additional details💚.

08/07/2026

💙 Rutherford County Social Services is now accepting applications for the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). Assistance is available for eligible households experiencing a heating or cooling-related emergency.

Please share this post so friends, family, neighbors, or anyone in our community who may need assistance can learn more.

To apply or learn more:
📞 Call: 828-287-1248
💻 Apply online: https://epass.nc.gov/

*Funding is limited, and applications will be accepted until all available funds have been exhausted.

02/07/2026

Join us for a day focused on your health! We hope to see you there.

Sponsored by the Lions International Club in partnership with local community organizations.

📍 Lake Lure Classical Academy Gym
1058 Island Creek Road
Lake Lure, NC 28746

🗓️ Saturday, August 8, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

19/06/2026

18/06/2026

💜 Elder Abuse Awareness Week 3

As we continue recognizing Elder Abuse Awareness Month, this week's fact highlights the importance of staying connected and supporting older adults in our communities.

Fact #3: Social isolation is a major risk factor for elder abuse. Older adults who have limited contact with family, friends, or community members may be more vulnerable because there are fewer people available to notice warning signs or offer support.

Awareness Tip: A simple phone call, visit, or invitation to a community event can help reduce isolation and strengthen support networks.

12/06/2026

💜 1 in 6 older adults experiences abuse each year, yet many cases go unreported.

Join us on Monday, June 15 as we raise awareness and stand up for the seniors in our community during World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This event will provide valuable information on recognizing, preventing, and reporting elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Enjoy an educational presentation, connect with local resources, and have some fun with bingo for chances to win prizes and door giveaways.

Everyone is welcome to attend!

Together, we can create a safer community where older adults are treated with dignity, respect, and care.

09/06/2026

Rutherford County DSS and the Rutherford County Senior center are hosting an Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 15, 2026 from 9:15am - 11:15am.
Join us to learn the signs of elder abuse and exploitation and how to help protect vulnerable adults in our community. 

08/06/2026

Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed June 15, 2026, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in North Carolina.

Rutherford County DSS joins communities across the state in raising awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

💜Elder Abuse Fact of the Week: Financial exploitation is one of the fastest-growing forms of elder abuse.

• Older adults lose billions of dollars each year to scams, fraud, theft, and exploitation.

• Warning signs may include unusual bank activity, missing money, sudden changes to financial documents, or a new relationship that seems overly controlling, secretive, or focused on the older adult’s finances.

Together, we can help protect older adults and ensure they are treated with dignity, respect, and safety.