Support doesn’t end when treatment ends, and at Footprints to Recovery, we understand the need for ongoing accountability and friendship in recovery. That’s why we developed a comprehensive alumni program.
Meet Nick Kratzer Director of Alumni Services
What Is the Alumni Program?
The Alumni Community provides a place for all alumni to build and maintain relationships within recovery. We offer activities and events that promote support, community, and service. It is possible to have fun in recovery; our program always strives for that!
In the past, Footprints to Recovery alumni have enjoyed:
- Beach days
- Sporting events
- Concerts
- Volunteer opportunities
- Stand-up comedy shows
- Holiday parties
- Kayaking, paddle boarding, nature walks
- Escape rooms
- Dinner parties
Our clients play a significant role in choosing these events, and we’re always open to suggestions.
While having fun is essential, recovery stays at the forefront of our program. At each event, our alumni coordinator checks in with every individual. They will see how you’re doing and if you need any support or resources. Our alumni community strives to provide a safe and non-judgmental community for everyone.
Finally, we also offer weekly alumni recovery support meetings. All alumni are welcome to join these groups for processing, skill-building, and peer support.
Why Is an Alumni Program Important?
Many people struggle to acclimate to the real world after completing treatment. Your life has been so focused on learning who you are, understanding the future you want, and working toward it that jumping back into the responsibilities of daily life can be challenging. Some people also struggle to make sober friends or find fun, sober activities on their own.
An alumni program helps you build and maintain meaningful relationships with people who understand what you’ve been through. It keeps you connected with your sober support. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to try exciting new things—without paying a dime.
Having access to a weekly support group can be tremendously beneficial. If you’re struggling in recovery, this group offers a safe place to express yourself.
How Do You Benefit from Being Connected with An Alumni Program?
Our clients love our alumni program for many reasons. First, socializing can be difficult in early recovery. Being surrounded by other sober friends (who also want to make friends!) makes this task much more comfortable.
An alumni program creates a natural sense of accountability and community. These assets are so essential in recovery. Engaging in the world and connecting with other people helps you stay on track. If you recognize that you’re struggling, the community is there to help you.
Finally, an alumni program highlights just how possible it is to have fun while in recovery. Many people fear that life will be boring without drugs or alcohol. But when you’re active in your addiction, your life (even if it isn’t necessarily boring) probably feels incredibly stressful. Our alumni program shows you some of the many ways you can find pleasure and joy in recovery.
At Footprints to Recovery, we invite all our alumni to our alumni program and support meetings. We’re excited to show you how meaningful your life can be! If you have any questions about our program, please email us at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Ongoing Family Support Zoom
Before the coronavirus, Footprints to Recovery offered separate alumni events every month in Colorado, New Jersey, and Illinois. In an effort to keep our alumni and staff as safe as possible, in-person events are currently suspended.
While we look forward to starting those events up again, for now, Laura and Nick are offering weekly virtual meetings for alumni and their family!
Family Support Group Hosted by Lisa Fobian, MA, LAC, LCADC
When: Every Thursday, 9 PM EST / 8 PM CST / 7 PM MDT
Zoom Meeting ID: ID-867 005 1885 Password- 215320
Alumni Support Group Hosted by Nick Krazter with an Alumni Guest Speaker
When: Every Wednesday, 8 PM EST / 7 PM CST / 6 PM MDT
Zoom Meeting ID: 545 213 437
SOBER EVENTS CHOSEN BY YOU
- Beach days
- Sporting events and concerts
- Volunteer opportunities
- Kayaking and paddle boarding
- Stand-up comedy shows
- Holiday parties
A SUPPORT SYSTEM ALWAYS IN PLACE
- Individualized check-ins with the alumni coordinator
- Safe, non-judgmental community
- Resources and plans for recovery and relapse
- Emotional support from peers and clinical team
- Alumni speaking engagements and opportunities for current clients
WEEKLY ALUMNI RECOVERY SUPPORT MEETINGS
Footprints to Recovery’s Alumni are invited back into our local treatment centers for Alumni led Recovery Support Meetings. This provides the opportunity to process with peers, gain support and build your circle of friends in recovery.