Recovery Doesn’t End When Treatment Ends: How Sanford’s Alumni Program Keeps You Connected
Sanford Alumni Coordinator, Julia Mace, with Founder Rae Green and Clinical Director Tessa Sterling at an alumni event.
When was the last time you felt proud at work? Or had (joyful) tears in your eyes from the full-circle impact of your organization’s efforts? As a person in recovery, two experiences spring to mind. Both occurred during the Sanford Behavioral Health Alumni Program and underscore the concept that recovery doesn’t end when treatment ends.
The first was years ago, when an alumna told current clients her story. As a grandmother, she had not been allowed to be alone with her grandchildren because of her alcohol use and erratic behavior. She was clear-eyed, dressed to the nines, and sobbing as she recounted a recent solo camping trip with the grandkids. She was a trusted member of the family again, and every one of us felt it. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
The second time was at a recent alumni event, where we had the honor of hosting two alumni who came back to Sanford to celebrate their five-year recovery anniversary. They met in treatment and kept in touch over the years and milestones, and wanted to return to where it began. Hearing stories of healing offers something treatment alone cannot: living proof that recovery is possible and the challenges you face today do not define the future. For alumni, coming back to Sanford is an opportunity to mark how far they have come and offer hope to those beginning the journey.
We spoke with Alumni Coordinator Julia Mace about her plans for the new and improved Alumni Program at Sanford Behavioral Health. We are committed to offering this free program to clients in mental health, substance use, and eating disorder programs at all levels.
Recovery Doesn’t End When Treatment Ends: 3 Questions for Julia Mace
MS: Why is an alumni program so important to all types of recovery?
Julia Mace: Community. Community is vital in recovery of any kind: having that connection with other people who have had similar experiences. And also, having a home base to lean on. Recovery can feel isolating if you don’t have a connection or long-term support. Sanford’s Alumni Program is one of the many reasons people choose Sanford for treatment. Knowing you have an organization that has your back and a place to connect with others is invaluable. The Sanford Alumni Program is a safety net even if you attend 12-step or support groups or have years of recovery under your belt.
MS: How does being in recovery yourself help you in your position as Alumni Coordinator?
Julia Mace: Experience. Empathy. I got sober twice, and the first time I didn’t make any friends or connections in recovery. So when it came to challenges, there was no one to talk to. No one to tell me it was a bad idea or support me in a way that was conducive to recovery. Or even be disappointed. Now, every piece of my life has recovery in it. My family is super supportive, and if I ever question my recovery, I have a safe, tight-knit group of friends I can call. I found my community in Young People in AA, but there are many places to find support. The Sanford Alumni Program offers ongoing support, meaningful opportunities to give back, and continued access to Sanford’s full range of treatment services if needs change.
There are many paths to recovery. The cool thing about the Sanford Alumni Program is that it doesn’t have to be a 12-step program. It doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. In fact, we have alumni programs for our SUD, eating disorders, and mental health programs that are customized for those conditions.
Community Outreach Liaisons Isabella Wolschleger and Erin McDowell: friendly faces at alumni events.
MS: Tell us about the program and your job as Alumni Coordinator
Julia Mace: The SUD Alumni Program has been formalized for years, but there is always something to learn and add to the program. I am also building programs for eating disorders and mental health. Alumni support is integral to our programming and is offered virtually and in person. Meetings are weekly, and I attend and facilitate all of them. The SUD Alumni Program also has peer support facilitators. The alumni programs serve as a hub of connection for our clients from any of our programs: residential, PHP, IOP, and short-term tuneups. I also provide resources for anyone who is struggling, including helping them return to treatment if needed.
Meetings are loosely structured, with plenty of opportunity for sharing successes and challenges. Both current clients and alumni attend. Alumni offer encouragement and real-life experiences, while clients can ask questions or express anger, challenges, fears, and uncertainties. We have both educational and experiential speakers. And we address subjects like anger, family and work reintegration, relationships, and accountability. We talk about how to handle holidays, vacations, school, work, kids, and social situations.
Sanford Alumni Program Purpose Statement
The Sanford Behavioral Health Alumni Program promotes a lasting community of support, connection, and hope for individuals in recovery from mental health, substance use, and eating disorders. We believe recovery thrives in community; staying connected with others who understand the journey can make all the difference. As a trusted resource beyond treatment, we provide opportunities to build meaningful relationships, find encouragement, and access ongoing support, because recovery is stronger when it’s shared, not faced alone.
Alumni Program Benefits:
- Lifelong Recovery Community: Stay connected to a supportive network that understands your journey.
- Ongoing Encouragement: Receive support, inspiration, and hope through every stage of recovery.
- Continued Accountability: Maintain motivation through regular check-ins and alumni meetings.
- Recovery-Focused Events: Participate in alumni gatherings, workshops, and sober social activities.
- Continued Access to Resources: Stay informed about recovery tools, educational opportunities, and wellness support.
- Peer Mentorship: Give back by encouraging others while strengthening your own recovery.
- A Community That Cares: Know you always have a place to turn when you need support, connection, or encouragement.
If you or a loved one is living with a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or eating disorder, we’re here to help. Click the link below to connect with an admissions specialist anytime. With Sanford’s 24/7 EZ Admissions, you’ll speak with a real person, receive a free assessment, and begin treatment right away. Walk-ins are welcome.
