In many ways, our Committee Chairman is the glue that binds things together at Rainbow Glen. He oversees house operations and is responsible for maintaining the committee and chairing its meetings. In January, Mark G resigned as our founding Chair of 16 months. And in February Paul F was voted in as the new Chair for 2024.
When Mark started, the house was new, the committees were thin and few, and our methods were "in development." Anyone who knows Mark can attest to his seemingly bottomless well of empathy, compassion and love for the suffering alcoholic. Mark worked tirelessly to help build the committee, the teams, and establish solid house operations.
"The volunteers were inexperienced and the house needed a lot of in-person help to lean on, so I was there all the time. We had great successes - Mike S, Zach, Chad and many more - they went through the house and are now on Teams and volunteering at the house. And we suffered our losses - Jason O and Matt R were lost to the disease of alcoholism after they left the house.
In 2023 the house kept progressing with experience and time - stronger committee, stronger teams, smoother running. We were always operating on a shoestring, but managed through the grace of God and the support of the community and donors.
By the start of 2024, I saw the house was solid, and I knew it was time to step down and give another man the opportunity to serve.
Looking back at my 16 months as Committee Chair, I think of all the men we helped, all the sweat and tears that went with it, and all that came to pass. The greatest gift was always to see someone come through the house, broken and fragile; and see them come back to the house later, sitting behind the desk, volunteering - strong, happy. whole, and in service.
I’m very grateful to have been there from the start, and for the chance to continue to serve, to give suffering alcoholic men hope. When there’s a new house opening, I’m ready!" - Mark G, Founding Chairman
From January to February, Franklin T and Chuck F stepped in to carry the house and the committee for the month until the election, and we're grateful for their willingness and service. Both at Charle Streeet and Rainbow Glen, they've been indespensible members of the First Step House recovery community.
Paul F was elected Chairman at the February Committee meeting, and we're all looking forward to our year ahead together.
"What first attracted me to the House is that it’s for fun and for free. I believe sobriety is a gift, and service should be an avocation, not a vocation. So when I heard about the house - for the chance to give of my time freely - I was in! And it’s been working for me. The more I go up there, the more I get. What I have enjoyed is seeing guys come in with their problems and addictions, and seeing how much they can recover in even a short time in sobriety.
I see the opportunity for the House to keep helping the community, building relationships, and working with the local hospitals & facilities. We’re embedded in the community in a positive way, and help not just the alcoholics, but are a source of information and assistance for those who need a higher level of care elsewhere. If we have a lasting impact on the life of even one man out of a hundred, it’s all worth it.
For the year ahead, I hope to be a positive influence on the house and the committee. I think of Rule 62, “Don’t take yourself so damn seriously.” When guys are smiling and happy, the miracle has happened. Seeing people who were suffering, now new in sobriety, find faith and purpose and joy, that’s what I’m about. Being a part of this House has been a wonderful experience. I can’t begin to say how much this means to me, and I hope we can be of service to as many men as possible over time."
Our wholehearted thanks and gratitude for Mark G, for all his effort shepherding the house, the committee, and countless newcomers for 16 months. And welcome to our new Chair Paul F! The Board, the Committee, and everyone is with you. We have another great year ahead, together in service helping suffering alcoholic men find the gift and the miracle of sobriety.