Connecting Face-To-Face Once Again
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, in-person events were called off and church basements emptied as every connection we had to our sober community moved online. In recovery, we understand how essential social supports are to combat negative feelings that can potentially jeopardize our sobriety, so out of necessity, we had to work our way through uncharted territory – connecting with others solely through a computer screen.
For many, the virtual shift has been welcomed, allowing those who are not geographically close to connect, while others have had trouble adapting. Virtual meetings, gatherings, and events have been a good alternative for the meantime, but certainly not a replacement for face-to-face connection, especially within in the recovery community.
With the summer weather returning and the COVID-19 crisis winding down, the necessity to connect virtually is fading. Instead, face-to-face connection is ramping up. Twelve Step meetings have returned to their respective church basements, concerts have been scheduled, and sport stadiums are welcoming their fans for reopening. We are beginning to see the light of what has felt like a very long tunnel, favoring hugs over elbow bumps, and enjoying the warmth of a smile revealed by an unmasked face.
Because so many in-person events have made their announcements to return this year, Recovery Centers of America asked our Twitter followers what in-person events they are most looking forward to this summer. Here’s what they had to say:
With restrictions lifting, what in-person events are you looking forward to most this summer?
— Recovery Centers of America (@RecoveryCOA) May 12, 2021
The Alumni Association at Recovery Centers of America strives to be an indispensable part of the recovery effort, and we do that by providing fun and exciting sober experiences where our alumni, their loved ones, and the recovery community can come together and enjoy the many gifts of sobriety. We recently held hikes, BBQs, a baseball game, and a golfing event.
So, as life begins to return to the normal that we once knew, the Alumni Association is looking forward to bringing everyone together yet again. With Alumni Coordinators on site at our facilities, we are planning monthly events with our alumni in mind, taking their ideas for what they wish to see in recovery and bringing them to life. From Speaker Jams to baseball games, and everything in between, there is truly something for everyone.
If you are interested in one of our Alumni events, please reach out to an Alumni Coordinator, or if you have an idea for an event, let us know – we would love to hear what we can do to help you find happiness and fulfillment in your recovery.
