What
is the Recovery Alumni Association?
Recovery
Alumni Association (RAA) is a group of recovered alcoholics and addicts who
have successfully completed rehabilitative treatment, remained clean and sober for
some time and are dedicated to helping others like themselves new to this
journey called recovery. Having
experienced the difficulties and hardships that can occur in the early days of
treatment, RAA members know this is a time when many give up and return to
using. They also know that the barriers
experienced by people new to recovery are often a result of a lack of support
and the skills necessary to start a new way of life.
RAA’s Primary Goals
· To mentor, provide support and guidance to all
current and past clients of Community Recovery Resources, HOPE House and their affiliates.
· To educate, inform, and unite citizens of Nevada
County with events, local programs, and testimonials regarding recovery from
the ravages of alcoholism and addiction.
· To put on fundraising events such as the Blues
concerts sponsored by the Sacramento Blues Society, the ‘BUCK METH’ program and
the ‘WALK FOR RECOVERY’ to name a few.
How does Recovery Alumni Association provide assistance?
The most important things that
members of RAA give to those in early recovery are TIME and SUPPORT. As
individuals who “have been there”, RAA members might share their experiences
and knowledge of what has and hasn’t worked for them. Or, knowing that sometimes all someone needs
is an understanding listener; they might just provide an attentive ear. No matter what the circumstance is, RAA
members know the courage it takes to begin the journey of recovery and that
those brave enough to start the process need to feel supported all along the
way.
RAA
members help in practical ways too.
They assist recovering alcoholics/addicts with things as simple as
referrals to local agencies or rides to counseling sessions or other
appointments. Thanks to your
generosity, RAA has been able to pay for an individual’s transitional housing,
provided groceries for struggling families, paid for bus passes to aid in
seeking employment and replaced one man’s worn out sneakers with a new pair of
work boots. All requests for aid are
carefully screened and require the unanimous approval of our nine member Board
of Directors. Every applicant must show a verifiable need
and have exhausted all other avenues.
Cash is NEVER given directly to the recipient—only goods and
services. RAA doesn’t believe in giving anyone a handout, but a “hand-up”.
Statistics
83% of individuals who are
incarcerated with no treatment return to a life of crime soon after their
release.
An
individual who stays in treatment for 6 months or more is 5x’s more likely to
remain clean and sober beyond the 5-year mark.
Individuals
with a past criminal history related to drug/alcohol use (residential burglary,
larceny, drug sales, driving under the influence, battery and weapons use) are 17x’s LESS likely to
return to crime if they remain clean and sober.
Treatment is 15 X’s more cost effective
than incarceration.
*Statistics are from the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services/SAMHSA 2001-2004
AND…
We currently provide educational
speakers to local schools and produce our own show, “FREEDOM
IN RECOVERY” on NCTV Channel 11. If you are interested in having a speaker at your school, service
club or event please contact us and we will be glad to accommodate you. This is all done voluntarily at no cost.
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