Residents empowered to recover at The 24

NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY

By Lexy McCarthy

Dallas 24 Hour Club is participating in Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day, the largest online regional giving event in the nation, garnering support for local nonprofits like no other. In 2023, North Texas Giving Day raised more than $60 million with the help of more than 97,000 donors. More than 3,200 nonprofits received donations, with Dallas 24 Hour Club raising over $74,000. 

Dallas 24 Hour Club provides transitional living, support services and essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts, so they can embrace long-term sobriety and become self-supporting members of the community.

Each year, Dallas 24 Hour Club helps more than 600 individuals find housing and employment, reconnect with family members, learn to live independently and, most importantly, embrace recovery. With 80 percent of its staff program alumni themselves, Dallas 24 Hour Club’s team has a sincere passion and care for the people they serve. 

The 24’s 6-month program provides safe, sober living for residents while they are getting back on their feet. Within the first few days, each resident is empowered to find a sponsor, begin working the 12-Steps and become fully employed. For the first 30 days, they’re provided with breakfast, lunch, dinner along with linens and toiletries. 

To support recovery, 12-Step Meetings are hosted by the Ross Avenue Group daily and, to make recovery accessible, anyone from the public is invited to attend. For residents, educational opportunities are also available. Dallas College’s ”WorkReadyU” program offers a no-cost adult education program for The 24’s residents so they can learn the skills needed for college or career success. Residents can choose from a long list of classes, including welding, culinary, hotel hospitality and more.

Beyond connecting residents to educational opportunities, Dallas 24 Hour Club amplifies the importance of learning essential life skills. Launched in 2022, the Stuart Bright Life Skills Program, “A Brighter Life!” offers residents, alumni and members of the public the opportunity to build strong life skills through robust monthly in-person and online classes.

Dallas 24 Hour Club’s Program consists of three phases, which provide structure, support and accountability in a step-down module. Program managers and other staff provide daily hands-on guidance and direction 24 hours per day, seven days per week. During the three unique phases of the program, residents gain a reset on life, develop healthy habits that help them live independently, and learn to become confident and self-supporting community members. Graduates of the 24 Program are then invited to apply to Tillman House, the fully furnished, apartment-style sober living within a 10-minute walk from The 24’s facility. Tillman House Residents gain experience outside of communal living with The 24’s staff and policies and their sober community. Tillman House has a dedicated program manager and two onsite resident staff liaisons to provide structure, support and accountability.

“Before I came to The 24, I was very broken,” Stephanie, Tillman House alumna, said. “I drank every day, starting around six in the morning and all throughout the day. I had damaged relationships with my kids and my family. I wasn’t living; I was existing. I had tried treatment many times before, but nothing ever stuck. I always relapsed. When I arrived at The 24, I started meeting people and every day, I became a little bit more me. It became like a family. I had support and things were happening for me instead of to me. Today, I have a relationship with my family. I feel free and not like I’m rushing home to drink now. The 24 and Tillman House have been a true blessing.” 

Residents of the Tillman House are encouraged to work on their savings, repay debts, reconnect with family members, engage in a weekly service commitment, mentor newer residents as needed, maintain full-time employment and continue their long-term sobriety. Additionally, residents are empowered to increase their earning capacity through higher education from Dallas College and develop careers with onsite career coaches. 

Supporting Dallas 24 Hour Club ensures their transformative work can continue and expand for years to come. Learn more and give today at NorthTexasGivingDay.org.