By Judy Raebel-McKinley
East Side Alano Club of Madison Inc.
You may drive past the building at 1017 Northport Drive wondering, “What goes on at the East Side Alano Club? What is it all about?”
The building was formerly a church. It was purchased in 1982 by a group of AA members who wanted a permanent place to hold recovery meetings and provide a space for recovering families to socialize and celebrate. Their sole purpose in doing this was and still is to maintain a facility to provide a safe, accessible, welcoming, anonymous and sober space for 12-step groups to hold recovery meetings and events.
Today this includes AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), Al-Anon (for anyone affected by someone’s alcohol or drug use), and DAA (Drug Addicts Anonymous) groups. Anyone seeking sobriety or anyone who is affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use is welcome. Their anonymity is totally protected. These groups provide support for any individual and their families and friends who have been affected by the disease of alcohol and/or drug addiction.
Most of us have been affected by addiction whether personally, in our families, in the workplace, or the impact of someone driving under the influence. This is a serious and life-threatening disease. The social stigma, discrimination and lack of understanding that are still associated with addiction increase the isolation, denial and secrets in many families.
Providing a safe, accessible, welcoming, anonymous and sober space is critical to building trust and supporting the learning, sharing and practicing of recovery principles. Alcoholism and drug addiction do not discriminate. People die every day due to substance abuse, and this clubhouse offers hope and a chance for recovery. No one is turned away!
The rooms of our building have become sacred places where people speak from their hearts, are loved as they are, encouraged to keep coming back, help others still struggling, and become better people as they do it. It is a building full of students where everyone is a teacher, sharing their experience, strength and hope. It offers a feeling of belonging — coming home.
Many long-time members lead responsible productive lives due to coming to the East Side Alano clubhouse. When a person gets clean and/or sober, they improve not only their lives but the lives of those they love and those who are involved in the community and society as a whole. It has a ripple effect. There are very positive repercussions.
Meetings are held at various times, so please check the website (eastside
alanoclub.org) for days and times. The first floor of our facility is wheelchair accessible.
