What is the Alumni Program at ABTRS?
At A Better Today Recovery Service, we pride ourselves on creating a warm and inclusive environment for our patients. Our alumni program is an ever-growing association of former ABTRS patients who come together to plan and take part in community events.
These regular community building events help create a support network for our patients and proves to others the effectiveness of our program and the 12-steps. Staying involved in the recovery community is a vital ingredient in a healthy recovery program. Remaining clean and sober requires the help and guidance of others who understand what we are going through. When we are in need, it’s the community that catches and lifts us up.
The greatest benefit of being a part of the alumni community is the camaraderie and support that each member receives. The importance of healthy, loving friendships is beyond measure. In addiction our relationships are often lacking in authenticity and genuine compassion; everyone is just looking after him or herself. In sobriety, however, we need healthy relationships in our lives. That’s where the sober community we’ve built comes in. The alumni community provides a caring ear to listen or just someone with which we can turn to in a time of need.
What are ABTRS Fundraisers?
The ABTRS alumni program is a non-profit and is fully self-supporting. Our fundraisers generate the funds necessary to make alumni events affordable for all members.
Past alumni events included partnering with local eateries such as Chipotle and Baked Bear. We have partnered with Goodwill Industries and participated in a donation drive. Spaghetti dinners, the 5K Walk for Recovery and private donations have also further promoted our alumni association.
These events are fun and provide the stage for new alumni members to meet and get to know others who went through the program at a different time. While allowing members to create and further the community spirit of ABTRS, these events help keep the program alive.
ABTRS Alumni Community Service
While in active addiction many of us took from the community. Now, we’re learning to give back. ABTRS alumni have the opportunity to participate in a variety of community service activities.
We have organized services such as making and distributing bags for the homeless and organize trips to help feed the homeless. During the holidays, we like to hold a special soup kitchen or other events that feed and provide for those less fortunate.
Volunteering at local community centers and helping out with the city is another community service that ABTRS alumni can take part in. Some of us wound up losing everything, including a place to live in active addiction. These community service opportunities allow people to give back and recover from the trauma of their addiction.
Join our ABTRS Alumni Today for good fun, great company, and delicious food.
What are Alumni Events?
More than anything else, at alumni events we have fun! Those of us in recovery are free from the pains and chains of addiction. Now, we celebrate life and recovery in everything we do.
Many of our favorite alumni events just involve sober fun. When we first get sober, many people feel uncertain about what could possibly be done that’s fun—the answer is an endless list of possibilities.
We have a sober softball team that meets weekly from October through April. Sober bowling events, laser tag, hiking and camping trips also provide regular opportunities for alumni members to meet and bond while enjoying exciting pastimes. The members’ goal is to organize events that keep people engaged and surrounded by fun, supportive and healthy ways to spend time.
Our goal for the future is to expand the ABTRS alumni program so that it’s able to provide scholarships and funding for those in early recovery who are unable to afford certain requirements. Eventually, we may be able to help with such expenses as an alumni’s first month rent in sober living or treatment fees should insurance cut out before the program is completed.
