Recently, a new organization serving the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities population of Polk and Rutherford counties received national accreditation from CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). Despite its short history, Synergy In Action “is viewed as a valued member of the business and social service infrastructure in the communities in which it provides services. The organization’s leadership evidences sound business management skills, a strong commitment to employees, and a clear desire to provide the best possible experiences to persons served and their families.”

Synergy In Action, Inc. is now fully operational as a non-profit agency that provides group homes, Alternative Family Living Homes (AFL) and community-based services for people with physical, mental and/or other disabilities. SIA currently provides services for 29 participants with developmental disabilities residing in Polk and Rutherford counties.

The board of advisors is comprised of local businessmen and women with a mission-focused mindset. Each board member takes his/her responsibilities seriously, understands his/her task in setting policy and providing guidance and is committed to the wellbeing of staff members and persons served. The members of the board of advisors are as follows: Dr. Joann Freeburg, chair; Keith Freeburg, vice-chair; Rhonda Franklin, secretary; and John Franklin, financial consultant.

The administration of SIA, Inc. has a strong background in the human service field. Kathy Wofford Romich, executive administrator, is a Landrum native. She has worked in Polk County for the past 29 years as the program director of the Mental Health Services at Polk Vocational Services (formerly known as the Polk County Sheltered Workshop), Luminous Enterprises, L.L.C. as the program development specialist and currently as the executive administrator of Synergy In Action, Inc.

Julie Grigg, program integrity administrator, a native of Walhalla, S.C., has 18 years of experience serving the developmentally disabled, with 14 of those years of service being provided in Polk and Rutherford counties. Her experience as a DD case manager has provided insight to her current responsibilities related to quality assurance/improvement. She resides in Green Creek with her husband Mitchell and their two sons.

Other members of the administrative staff as well as the direct care providers are professionally trained, with many years of experience in the field. They are able to form and maintain therapeutic relationships with the persons served in a synergistic manner.

As a non-profit agency, Synergy In Action, Inc. relies on fund-raising efforts and donations from private citizens in order to support those served. Although the state of North Carolina does provide services and supports to a degree, SIA Inc. relies on the generosity of local citizens, churches, businesses and families to assist in funding the additional needs that state funds do not cover. There are also volunteer opportunities.

Synergy In Action, Inc. is located in the One Tryon Place office complex and can be reached by calling 828-859-0259. Feel free to contact Kathy Romich or Julie Grigg for information or with questions if you or a family member needs assistance.