The Fresh Start Alumni Council plays a vital role in strengthening our recovery community by bringing together individuals from our treatment and Friends and Family programs. This dedicated group of volunteers works tirelessly to create a supportive environment where alumni can stay connected, share experiences, and continue growing in their recovery journey.
What the Alumni Council Does
The Alumni Council meets monthly to collaborate, plan, and strategize initiatives that engage and support our recovery community. They fill a variety of volunteer service roles, ensuring that every event, fundraiser, and outreach initiative runs smoothly. Led by President Carmen Smith, the council members are instrumental in making a real difference through their leadership and commitment. Positions on the council include chairs for events, communications, birthdays, sports, and more, with each role contributing to a diverse and thriving recovery network.
Throughout the year, the Alumni Council organizes and participates in numerous events, including sporting activities with other treatment centers and local churches, as well as fundraising initiatives such as selling branded swag. These events provide opportunities for alumni to connect, raise funds for Fresh Start Recovery, and create lasting bonds with one another.
Our alumni—both program and Friends and Family—are the first to step forward to volunteer for all Fresh Start Recovery events, demonstrating their dedication to supporting the recovery community. The strength of our alumni community is a testament to their commitment, and together, we continue to build a supportive, vibrant recovery network.
Service and volunteering are integral to the recovery journey. By giving back to the community, alumni not only help others but also strengthen their own path to long-term healing. Volunteering fosters a sense of purpose, builds confidence, and creates lasting connections that support continued growth. Being of service is a powerful reminder that recovery is not just about individual progress, but about contributing to the collective well-being of the community.
As part of this ongoing commitment to service, the Alumni Council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on February 8th, 2025. During this meeting, positions for the upcoming year will be discussed, and those interested in taking on leadership roles or learning more about volunteering opportunities are encouraged to attend. If you’d like to find out more about how you can get involved, please feel free to reach out to Carmen Smith at carmen@freshstartrecovery.ca. Together, we continue to grow and strengthen the bonds that make our recovery community thrive.
