Frequently Asked Questions
Meetings and Community
Q: Do I need to be a member of the Lowell Serenity Club to attend meetings?
A: No, you do not need to be a member to attend meetings. Our Club is open to everyone, so please join us!
Q: What is a Closed Meeting?
A: Open meetings are open to the public and may include observers who are not program participants. Closed meetings are reserved for individuals who identify with the group’s purpose and are not open to outside observers, such as students or professionals attending for academic or work-related reasons.
Q: Is there a fee to attend a meeting?
A: There is no required fee to attend meetings. However, in keeping with our tradition of being fully self-supporting, most groups pass a basket to collect voluntary contributions. These donations help cover expenses such as room rent. Please do not feel obligated to give — contribute only if and when you feel moved to do so, and only as you are able.
Support and Funding
Q: Are there service work or volunteer opportunities available?
A:Yes! We welcome your talents, skills, and support! If you have a gift or ability—whether it’s graphic design, data entry, social media, handyman skills, or something else—you may be just what the Club needs. For more details on how you can get involved, please contact us at info@lowellserenityclub.org or fill in the contact form.
Q: Does the Lowell Serenity Club receive any city, state, or federal funding?
A. No. The Club relies solely on private donations to support our Mission.
Q: Is Lowell Serenity Club on Social Media?
A: Yes! Stay connected with us on social media. Like and follow the Club on Facebook and ____ to get the latest updates, news, and highlights. It’s also an extension of accountability, helping us all stay connected and plugged in to the life of the Club Community!
Immediate Help
Q: I need to talk to someone about my drinking now. Is there someone I can call?
A: Yes! Call the Kent County Central Office 24 Hour AA Hotline at (616) 913-9149.
Q: I need to talk to someone about substance abuse (drugs or alcohol) right now. Whom do I call?
A: You can call 1-800-662-HELP (4357), for immediate assistance. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, and available 24 hours/365 days. Help is also available in Spanish.
Q: I need non-emergency help with food, housing, utilities, healthcare, legal issues, counseling, prescriptions, clothing, or emergency shelter. Who should I call?
A: Statewide: Call 2-1-1 or (888) 636-4211
Kent County: Call Network180’s 24-Hour Access Center at (616) 336-3909
Montcalm County: Call Montcalm Care Network (MCN) at (989) 831-7520 or (800) 377-0974
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Thursday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Q: Is Lowell Serenity Club the same as Alcoholics Anonymous?
A: No, they are not the same. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an independent fellowship of individuals committed to recovering from alcoholism. The Lowell Serenity Club, on the other hand, was established to provide a permanent safe meeting space for AA groups and to support recovery in the broader community. While the two are separate organizations, the Club hosts and supports AA meetings as well meetings for families of alcoholics (Al-Anon) and other addiction recovery–focused groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
General
Q: Will my anonymity be protected?
A: Yes. All programs and participants we host are committed to honoring anonymity.
Q: I use a wheelchair. Is the Club accessible to people who use mobility devices or who are disabled?
A: Yes, our Club is located in a barrier free building.