GROW is known today as a “consumer-operated” service and is based on peer support and leadership. The organization was founded almost fifty years ago by former mental patients who were resolved to find their way to recovery. These early members kept a record of what worked and gradually created an organized program of recovery and personal growth. Thanks to our founders, we now have structures and methods that allow participants to become effective group and organizational leaders.
Although GROW relies especially on volunteer leadership, it also has a small core of paid staff who are responsible for group development, quality-control, leadership training, outreach and administration. Some of these staff are themselves recovered GROW members, but however they come to GROW employment, all staff identify with the GROW philosophy and methods.
GROW is much more than the weekly groups. Group members reach out to one another throughout the week, build friendships, and participate in GROW community events such as socials and leadership training.
The “Blue Book,” which represents the basic written “Program of Recovery and Personal Growth,” is created to be used in the GROW groups and not in isolation from friendship and community. For this reason, we do not provide copies of the “Blue Book” or other GROW Program literature for general use outside of GROW. We will, however, send you a pamphlet with excerpts from the “Blue Book” so that you can get a general idea of the GROW philosophy.
Originally, GROW founders were inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous. Over time, however, GROW has evolved into an organization very different from AA. Today GROW has altered 12 steps and structured methods for weekly groups and other functions. GROW also differs from AA in that it receives substantial public funding and maintains a core of paid staff.
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