Ten years ago, Silver Sobriety was founded in response to a glaring gap in addiction services for older adults. The existing system often failed to provide the age-specific support and peer connections older adults need to be successful. Many conversations about the challenges – including a lack of Medicare coverage for treatment – led the founders to one clear conclusion: we had to step up and fill the gap ourselves.
Starting a nonprofit from the ground up wasn’t easy. In the early years, two of our biggest challenges were attracting new clients and securing enough funding to sustain our programs. We also needed a large enough participant base to create a meaningful peer network.
Over the years, we've developed a strong referral network, and our financial foundation is now solid. Our aftercare program has flourished, becoming a thriving, peer-led initiative that meets twice a week. In response to COVID-19, we successfully transitioned to virtual operations, so programming could continue uninterrupted – and the virtual option continues to be popular.
When we reflect on what we’re most proud of, nothing compares to witnessing the transformations of our clients. Seeing individuals grow, heal, and reconnect with their families is the greatest reward.
One particularly moving story reminds us why we do this work. A client who had struggled with alcohol his entire life came to us in a wheelchair. He found sobriety with our support, but also learned he had cancer. Despite his diagnosis, he graduated from our program and lived another six months – time that he used to mend relationships with his family. After he passed, we received a heartfelt note from his daughter, thanking us for giving them back their father. Stories like these fuel our passion and commitment to this mission.
Leading a nonprofit has taught us many things, but one of the biggest lessons is the importance of letting go. We’ve learned that we can’t force outcomes on people. Change happens at its own pace, and often in ways we don’t expect—but that’s part of the journey.
To everyone who has supported us along the way – including our donors and dedicated volunteers – we want to say Thank You! Here’s to the next ten years of impact!
Win Miller & Peter Oesterreich
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