Being of service in early recovery is a key component in maintaining long-term sobriety. Sober College introduces these young adults to service work early on to help them understand and appreciate its benefits, in hopes they will be willing to participate later on.

The development of this CORE Program, by staff member Shane Coyle, has given students a multitude of chances to give back to the community and get class credit.  “Innovations like this are at the heart of the Sober College experience,”  according to founder Robert Pfeifer, “Anytime we can take traditional treatment related activities, like service commitments, and combine that with an opportunity to gain credits … that is what we are all about.”

Dr. Niemann shares, “Volunteer work exposes students to many different aspects of life that they otherwise might not experience.  This can help them choose a career path or find something that they are passionate about.”  Several students echoed Niemann’s sentiments.  According to Max S., a former student, “I was not looking forward to the beach clean with Heal the Bay, but it changed my life.  Because of that experience, I’m now looking into studying marine biology.”

Check out the video below of our students at Heal The Bay last week.