Past Participants of SAS do a great deal to assist those in their early stages of recovery and to build community at SAS with participants, children, staff and volunteers. A group of alumnae meet monthly and have as their goals, to support current participants, and to develop a vital network of alumni for ongoing support and friendship.
These past SAS Participants and Graduates initiate alumnae meetings that over the years have included weekly SAS 12 Step meetings, homework tutoring nights and Bible study sessions. Past Participants also regularly mentor women waiting to enter the ASK classroom and those currently in the SAS program. . Other monthly events are initiated by Ventures where Participants, alumni, children, staff and volunteers are invited to activities such as roller-skating, bowling, swimming and summer barbeques. These events are designed to foster the sense of community within SAS, and to model ways of having fun while staying sober.
Alumnae members are regular speakers in the ASK Classroom, sharing their own journey of recovery with the aim of imparting tangible hope to those sitting in the chairs they themselves once occupied - uncertain on the difficult days if their efforts would be futile or not. In addition, regular "shock talks" are coordinated, where current Participants and alumnae talk to groups about life choices at such places as the Calgary Young Offender's Centre, the Boys & Girls Club and junior and senior high schools.
Alumni are a vital force of volunteers at SAS - serving as Live-In relief volunteers for the front-line houses and the transitional apartments. They organize fundraisers for the SAS scholarship fund and to also give funds directly to the Ask classroom.
One of the important aspects of the alumnae group is creating the opportunity for alumnae members to give back to SAS. This is crucial in helping members live in gratitude, and to assist participants who come into the program after them.
