FAQs
Meetings and Community
A: No, you do not need to be a member to attend meetings. Our Club is open to everyone, so come as you are!
If you become a regular, we encourage you to consider becoming a member to help support the Club’s mission. As a Club member, your monthly or annual pledges ensure the operating expenses are covered so we can always be open for those that need us.
A: We are open from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM Monday Thru Friday and 8:30 AM to 9 PM Saturday and Sunday We are 365 days a year. Yes, this includes holidays!
A: Open meetings are open to the public, including observing non-participants. Closed meetings exclude students or professionals who want to come in to observe for their college class or job.
A: If you are unsure about what meeting might be best for you, please ask the manager on duty either over the phone or in person, and they will be happy to help plug you into the meeting that suits you and your interests. Give is a call today at (616) 456-5709.
A: The different names just speak to the theme of the meeting and or are mostly nicknames. You are welcome to attend all our meetings! .
A: There is no required fee to attend meetings. However, it is traditional that each group being fully self-supporting, the groups generally pass a basket for donations to cover the room rent. Do not feel obligated, but when you feel so moved, please give as you are able.
A: Yes! We encourage people to spend time in the Club Café together! Come and hang out in our Club Café and enjoy the music, free WiFi, and fellowship! We encourage and welcome everyone to come and kick back in our Café if it helps you stay sober.
Support and Funding
A: If it's a program that we already host, email our Executive Director, Lisa, at Lderr@gralanoclub.org.
A: Email Exec. Director Lisa Derr, your proposed program that you would like to start. Next, Lisa will forward your proposal to the Board for approval. As a rule, the Club only supports programs that address the life-threatening disease of addiction/alcoholism and/or those affected (family and friends) by addiction/alcoholism.
A: Yes! We welcome your talents, skills, and support! If you have an ability (graphic design, data entry, handyman, etc.) that you think the Club could benefit from, please reach out. We also welcome volunteer support in our Club Cafe during our specialty meal days and a great opportunity to get to know our fellowship! For more information about how you can help, please contact our Operations Manager, Megan.
A: No. The Club relies entirely on private donations to support its mission.
A: Yes! We encourage you to like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Social media is a great way to get the latest and greatest Club updates and an extension of accountability to stay plugged in!
A: We are in the "business of people" but it takes funds to keep our doors open and offer the amenities (elevator, cafe, licensing, insurance, etc.) that we offer. With your support, we are grateful to keep our doors open all day long. Our fundraisers ensure our ability to maintain Club operations.
Immediate Help
A: Yes! Call the Kent County Central Office 24 Hour AA Hotline at (616) 913-9149.
A: You can call 1-800-662-HELP (4357), for immediate assistance. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, and available 24 hours, every day of the year. Help is also available in Spanish.
A: Call Network 180's 24-hour Access Center at (616) 336-3909 and they can provide options to suit your needs.
General
A: No, they are not the same. AA is a fellowship of people dedicated to recovering from alcoholism. Alano Clubs were founded in order to give AA groups a more permanent place to meet. These are two separate organizations; Alano Clubs support AA meetings and other addiction recovery-focused groups.
A: Yes. All programs and participants that we host honor anonymity.
A: We are open from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 8:30 AM to 9 PM Saturday and Sunday. Yes, this includes holidays!
A: You can sign up in our Club Café or online. You can either sign up for $84.00 a year or pay $7.00 a month. Membership benefits include free coffee, soda, and tea! Membership is not required to attend meetings.
A: Simply email our Executive Director, Lisa, and she will help you cancel your membership.
A: We believe there are many roads to recovery, and the best program is the one that keeps you sober — even if that’s different for everyone. We value all routes to recovery, celebrate all the programs, and cheer on everyone in recovery.
A: Yes, our Club has both an elevator and ramp into our building.
We'll Save A Seat For You!
We are located at: 1020 College Ave NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Power of Recovery
“The roads to recovery are many, and the resolution of alcoholism by any method should be a cause for celebration by AA members.” — Bill Wilson
