Social Model Recovery Systems recently hosted an alumni gathering at Stepping Stones on Thursday, March 26, titled “Healing Through Creativity.” The event was created to recognize and celebrate the women of Stepping Stones, especially alumni, during Women’s History Month.
The gathering was also an opportunity to reconnect with alumni who may not have been engaged recently and invite them back into a space of support, creativity, and community. Healing looks different for everyone, and this event highlighted how art and poetry can offer a powerful and meaningful path in recovery.
In the weeks leading up to the event, residents created artwork that reflected their personal recovery journeys. These pieces were proudly displayed during the event as part of an art exhibit honoring both residents and alumni.
From the moment guests arrived, the space felt warm and welcoming. Alumni were greeted with a sense of connection, openness, and encouragement. The evening included a homemade spaghetti dinner, a 12-Step meeting before the event, sandwiches from a local deli, dessert, and thoughtful touches, such as welcoming signs that made alumni feel seen and appreciated.
This special gathering came together through the collaboration of Sorayda Torres, Alumni Outreach & Engagement Liaison, and the Stepping Stones team. According to Program Director Valerie Cruz, the idea began with Sorayda’s vision of bringing creativity into recovery. The concept of residents painting on canvas and sharing their stories through art and poetry felt inspiring and meaningful. As Valerie shared, recovery is not only about clinical groups and 12-step meetings, it can also be about creative expression and finding new ways to heal.
One of the best moments of the night was when the outstanding speakers and local poets shared their poetry and music and created an unforgettable atmosphere. The Poets were Ann Houston-Sago, Kim Hitt-Galvan, and Patricia Ann Rice. Through poetry and music, they shared deeply personal reflections on trauma, boundaries, relationships, and healing. Their words created a powerful and heartfelt atmosphere that resonated with everyone in the room. Valerie reflected that this moment stood out because it was something different, genuine, moving, and rooted in real-life experiences of growth and healing.
The impact of the event was clear: alumni and residents came together in a meaningful way, sharing space, conversation, and support. Valerie shared how special it is to see alumni return and connect with newer residents, all under one roof. Seeing people smile, engage, and show up for their recovery reminded everyone of the strength found in community.
There are many benefits of Art in Recovery. Art allows individuals to externalize difficult feelings, such as anger, sadness, and fear, that are hard to verbalize, providing relief. Creative activities trigger dopamine, promoting relaxation and a sense of joy, which calms the mind and reduces triggers for substance use.
It brings Self-Awareness & Insight: Exploring emotions through art helps individuals understand their triggers, patterns, and motivations, leading to greater self-understanding. Poetry creates a sense of belonging and connection among peers in recovery.
Listening to poetry in recovery provides emotional release, reduces stress, and fosters hope and reduces feelings of isolation. trauma, improve cognitive function, and enhance self-awareness. It also fosters emotional regulation and helps self-esteem.
Staying connected after treatment is an important part of long-term recovery. Alumni connections help prevent isolation and create a support system rooted in shared understanding. Valerie emphasized the importance of community, especially for those who may not have strong support systems early in their recovery. Having someone to call during difficult moments, or even to share small wins with, can make all the difference.
Valerie also shared that being there for others in recovery can be just as meaningful. Offering encouragement, sharing experiences, and supporting one another helps build confidence and can motivate someone to keep going, one day at a time.
The event was a reminder that recovery is not just about overcoming challenges, but also about rediscovering joy, creativity, and connection. Valerie hopes that everyone who attended left feeling cared for, welcomed, and reminded that they always have a place within the community. More than anything, she hopes they see themselves as individuals with something to give, artists in their own way, writing and creating their own stories of recovery.
Alumni connections in recovery are very important for long-term sobriety. It helps prevent isolation and builds a community of people in recovery that can serve as a support system and can help prevent relapse through accountability and continued support.
