Our KNX Hero of the Week, Madeline Smith, is creating a fun, unique community for women all over Southern California.
Madeline Smith Courtesy of Madeline Smith
Madeline created OC Sober Gals, an organization where women can get together, have dinner, go to a movie, and simply connect.
Courtesy of Madeline Smith
“I personally am someone who is sober in recovery and I was looking for a group of women who were like-minded, where we could go and just connect authentically without the pressure of having to drink,” she told Heroes host Heather Jordan. “So I started this social group with the intention of just meeting people and finding people with like-minded interests.”
Courtesy of Madeline Smith
Courtesy of Madeline Smith
But the organization is not just for building friendships and having a good time - there’s also an element of meaningful outreach.
“We've partnered with a couple local charities, one of which is the Lynn House in Costa Mesa,” Madeline said. “We're doing fundraising. We've done some really fun things like we had a group of women come and we all put together packages and gave them Christmas presents. We also donated their Thanksgiving meal this year and we're just so blessed to be able to have fun with other women and then also give back to women who, you know, are in a tough spot in life.”
Courtesy of Madeline Smith
Courtesy of Madeline Smith
In less than a year of being a nonprofit, the organization has grown to nearly 500 women in their Facebook group, and about 100 of them are active members who attend many of the in-person events.
Courtesy of Madeline Smith
Madeline says she would like to grow the organization so it can include more women and even young ladies who are seeking community.
“I have gotten so much positive feedback from women who've told me, like, ‘I've never felt more accepted than when I came to your group,’” she said. “So my heart is just really full because I felt like I longed for this within my own personal journey in life. It's hard to find… I mean, I think a lot of people now, especially since COVID, are really seeking community. I do have a heart for the young teenage girls right now because the world has changed a lot, you know?”
Courtesy of Madeline Smith
Courtesy of Madeline Smith
Madeline said her goal is to expand the organization to other regions and partner with several charities.
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