'Sober Southington' Growing To Help Non-Drinkers Enjoy Life Too

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A fledgling organization dedicated to helping others in recovery from addiction have fun and socialize recently introduced itself to the town's top elected body.

The local recovery-focused organization, called "Sober Southington," outlined its growth, programming, and long-term goals at the Southington Town Council meeting on Jan. 12.

Andrew Shackelford, founder of Sober Southington, told the council he is a Southington resident, husband, and father who has been sober since Aug. 1.

That is the same date the group was created.

Shackelford said he and his wife founded Sober Southington to support people in recovery and those who are "sober-curious."

Shackelford said the group has grown to 512 members and has hosted more than 20 events.

He said participation tends to be strongest among people who are already sober and willing to volunteer their time.

Shackelford described what he called a recovery “map” built around connection and accountability, self-care, volunteerism, community, and recreation.

For example, he said, weekly “chatty hour” gatherings are held on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Grace’s Place, a sober café and bar in Meriden.

The group also hosts a book club and regularly participates in volunteer work, including efforts with Bread for Life, the Southington-based nonprofit that combats food insecurity.

He said the organization is seeking additional volunteer opportunities.

Emphasizing the importance of self-care, Shackelford said he graduated from the American Institute for Massage in 2022 and arranged a partnership that allows Sober Southington members to receive one free massage per month, while massage students earn required graduation hours.

The group also holds biweekly yoga classes at the Southington YMCA and has hosted a sober flash tattoo event for long-standing members.

Shackelford said recreational activities are a major focus of the group’s outreach.

Events have included an online “silent” New Year’s Eve rave, a pizza tour featuring four Southington restaurants with member voting, and “Dude’s Day,” an all-male event.

He said he would like to see members organize a similar event for women.

Shackleford added that a kids’ corner was created to include children, noting that many members are parents.

Shackelford also listed several Southington businesses that partner with the group, with Perkatory named as the newest participant.

Customers who bring a Sober Southington cup to Perkatory receive a 10 percent discount, he said.

Proceeds from cup sales are used to support the group and offset event costs.

Looking ahead, Shackelford said his long-term goal is to move operations out of his home, open a sober café in Southington, and secure additional community resources.

He said the group’s motto is, “We go further when we go together,” and thanked the council and community for their support.

Shackelford also introduced Mariah Russell, an administrator who has been a member since the group’s inception.

Russell told the council that sobriety can be isolating, saying many friendships fade when someone stops drinking.

She said she found community through Sober Southington’s Facebook group.

Russell said she co-runs the organization’s book club, which meets on the last Monday of each month at Factory Square and is open to all.

Souathington Town Council member Kristin Guida thanked Shackelford and Russell, saying she felt fortunate to have the group in the community.

Southington Town Council Chairman Paul Chaplinsky Jr. said if and when the organization begins operating as a company and seeks donations, it should reach out to the council so members can help promote its efforts.

For the minutes of the Jan. 12 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.