Resources

When I think of YANA, I think of Hope, Gratitude, and Appreciation. It was a new concept to me, but over time I realized the value and importance of having YANA here on the island. If I’m having a lousy day…because some days are, YANA is there with my meetings and fellowship. It’s a place where I can go to be connected with my fellowship. It gives me the hope that I desire and it’s concrete because it’s a physical place where I can go to get it. In my opinion, it is an invaluable asset to recovery groups and the community.

My name is Eric and I'm an alcoholic.. About 7 months ago in my 22nd year of sobriety, my personal life fell apart in a way I never saw coming, I ended up living temporarily in Portsmouth. What does an alcoholic do when up becomes down and down becomes up? We go to meetings.. I found myself at the YANA club at Saturday Night  Live surrounded by strangers that felt familiar.. It was instantly a calming feeling. The people in AA on this little Rhode Island, island welcomed me with open arms and knew me by name the second time I walked through the door. I can't say enough about what finding a home base in a new place has meant over the last 7 months. Thank you for making this long timer, who felt like a newcomer, feel welcomed and safe. I hope to wander back into the YANA club sooner rather than later as it now feels like my home away from home!

Local Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is alive and well in its new home at YANA in Middletown, RI. The "A Room With A View" OA meeting had its first gathering at the Newport County YMCA in April 1997. Years later the group needed to leave due to the more recent renovation and expansion of the YMCA as well as the COVID pandemic in 2020. The group then met virtually and jumped at the opportunity to relocate to YANA when the facility opened in 2021. Initially the group met in hybrid form (in-person and via Zoom). About two years ago, members decided to meet strictly in-person. Presently, about 10-15 members meet weekly on Saturday mornings in-person at YANA. This vibrant, welcoming OA group is very grateful to have YANA as its permanent meeting location.

My sobriety date is 3/23/2006. I got sober here in Newport, and moved 5 times to 3 states in 17 years. When I returned to this area, I discovered YANA. I instantly found what I was looking for all those years. A group home, a club house- separate from a church or hall. A clean, safe place with all the resources AA has to offer. I’m so grateful to have found YANA. I’ve been asked to be on the Service Committee. I’m honored to be an active member of YANA!