Nina S’s story

When I began in recovery on June 11, 2013, I attended meetings daily all around the town. Some were held in church basements, others outside. The first few years I had to learn to listen, clean up my language and find out what the tools were that people kept talking about.

When I complained to my brother about having to sit quietly through all these meetings, he suggested I find a noisy meeting. At the 9 am Alano Club Cup of Coffee I heard (and felt) Welcome Home! There I met many long time Club members and AA elders. After a short time I became a card carrying member (and saved a lot on breakfast). There is good information available, from pamphlets in the meeting hall to fliers about upcoming meetings, conferences and events.

The Sunday afternoon women’s meeting became my home group. In a short time I served as secretary and made many new friendships as I needed to invite speakers to share each week. In time I connected with a woman I admired and she became my sponsor. We worked through the 12 Steps together. As we went along she emphasized areas to help me become an effective sponsor for other women.

Events at the Club also help bring in family members. My husband has appreciated being welcome at barbecues in the Meditation Garden. Also the annual Heritage Dinner is a highlight of the year!

Being part of the Fair Avenue Fellowship Group of AA has shown me a lot. By example people made me feel welcome and enabled me to gain an understanding of the principles, promises and traditions. I believe my Higher Power speaks through people. When I share at meetings, sometimes others tell me they hear something of value – that’s when my Higher Power speaks through me. Now it’s easier to welcome new people, listen without judging and keep ’em coming back.