According to a Twelfth Step Ministry anonymous volunteer,
“The Twelfth Step Ministry at the Center for Spiritual Development’s greatest wish is to offer our critical services to more people who struggle with a substance or behavioral addiction or have a family member or friend who suffers.
“Located in the heart of Dallas, Twelfth Step Ministry is a non-profit organization that hosts and supports over 40 ‘Twelve Step’ meetings weekly for 16 different areas of addictions. Some groups represented include Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous, Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous and Families Anonymous. Adult men and women participating in these meetings make more than 1,500 visits each month, either virtually or in-person, to the 80- year-old Bluffview home where the organization originated. There is never a fee to attend these meetings and no formal membership is required.
“Due to the anonymous nature of the groups we support, our organization is relatively unknown. We are one of the best recovery resources in the southwest, and we don’t want to be a secret any longer. We welcome all who desire a safe, inclusive community in which to heal.
“What I love about the Twelfth Step Ministry is the community and support found in each meeting, but also the freedom we that we have to discuss our struggles honestly and transparently. I attend Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families Meetings, and I am proud of the progress I have made in improving my relationships with my family and friends.
“A friend that I volunteer with at the center has been attending Cocaine Anonymous meetings for many years. He said, “In the past, I was known as a felon, a thief and other names not fitting for this format. I will always be an addict and am proud of what that label represents in my life. The truth is, though, that label loses importance every year I am sober. Now, I have new labels. I am often referred to as a husband, sponsor, and friend. My mother takes my calls now. My sister recently had a baby, and my program allows me to be a good uncle to make up for the poor job I did as a brother.”
“For our wish to come true, we need donations to help fund PR efforts to increase community awareness about who we are, what we do, and how we can help those seeking recovery.
“To learn more about Twelfth Step Ministry and its programs, visit www.twelfthstepministry.org or contact Executive Director Andrea Tabor at 214.265.7192 or [email protected].”
* Graphic/photo courtesy of Twelfth Step Ministry
