Celebrating Recovery With Open Arms

Jul 22, 2024By Heidi Woldhuis
Heidi Woldhuis

Ever think sobriety means the end of fun? You would be wrong! Welcome to Sober Events, where we throw some great parties without a drop of alcohol or hint of drugs. 

Let's talk about why EVERYONE, YES..EVEN YOU, SHould come join the fun

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At Sober Events, we’re all about creating a fun, supportive community for people in recovery and the people who care about them! Founded by Robert and Heidi Woldhuis, (that's us!) this nonprofit was born from our own personal journeys of faith, addiction, and recovery. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful faith-based recovery can be, but we also understand that not everyone shares the same beliefs. And that’s totally okay at Sober Events

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Here’s the deal: Sober Events isn’t about pushing religion on anyone. While our faith plays a significant role in our lives, these events are designed to be inclusive. We welcome everyone, regardless of their beliefs. Sure, you will likely hear some Christian music and faith testimonies, but you’ll also jam out to secular tunes and hear a variety of inspiring stories.

The goal is to support recovery and build community, not to evangelize.



Faith-based recovery programs have been shown to be highly effective. According to research, adding spirituality and faith into recovery can help significantly by providing a sense of purpose, community, and a moral framework for making positive life changes.

Studies have found that individuals in faith-based programs often have increased rates of sobriety and lower rates of relapse compared to those in secular programs.

This approach often helps individuals build resilience and find hope in their recovery journey.

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Celebrating sobriety with joy and community can be incredibly healing. Positive social interactions and fun activities boost mental health, reduce feelings of isolation, and create a sense of belonging.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), social support is a crucial factor in successful recovery.

When we come together to celebrate milestones and support each other, we help to reinforce the positive changes we’re making in our lives.

Despite the progress that is being made, there’s still a significant need for supportive, sober activities. Many communities lack resources for people in recovery, leaving individuals isolated and at higher risk of relapse. This is where Sober Events fits in, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to connect, have fun, and support each other.

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1. Weekly Events: From game nights and movie screenings to dances and art fun, there’s always something happening at Sober Events.

2. Open Mic and Testimony Sharing: These events include opportunities for attendees to share their stories, offer testimonies, and share a vocal or musical talent. The Mic is ALWAYS open for Sober living related testimonies!

3. Safe Environment: All events are substance-free, providing a secure space for everyone. Any buying, selling, or consuming  alcohol or drugs while at a Sober Event is strictly not allowed and, along with fighting, is a way to be banned. We love our Friday community and celebrate and protect our Sober Events friends and family!

4. Community Building: Meet others who understand your journey, want to know about your journey, care about you, share experiences, and build friendships. This is where Recovery meets The Community and it is a beautiful thing.

5. Supportive Atmosphere: Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or just looking for some fun, positive socializing, you’re welcome here.

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We believe that fun and recovery go hand in hand.

Whether you share our faith or not, there’s a place for you at Sober Events. Bring a friend, bring your family, and let’s make sobriety fun together!


For more information and to get involved, visit soberevents.net. Let’s create a positive change, one joyful celebration at a time, and show everyone what winning looks like. Together is the only way!


Sober Events is all about inclusivity, community, and joyful celebration.

By supporting and participating in these events, you’re helping build a stronger, healthier community for EVERYONE.

Let’s hang out together, support recovery, and have a whole lot of fun doing it.

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If we embrace this approach, we’re not just helping individuals in recovery; we’re giving human beings a sense of belonging and likely some much needed joy. That benefits the ENTIRE community. Join us at Sober Events and see how much fun sobriety can be!