---
title: A New Year's Message of Gratitude
description: Dear Alumni, Friends, and Supporters. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared at The Retreat. With immense gratitude in my heart, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the profound impact we’ve made together. To date, we have helped nearly 33,000 men, women, and families find the road to recovery, each one a testament to the power of community, compassion, and hope.
image: https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/A%20New%20Years%20Message%20of%20Gratitude.png
---

[![The retreat](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png?width=271&name=logo.png "The retreat")](https://www.theretreat.org/)

 ON-LINE

[Meeting Resources](https://www.myrecovery.org/online-meetings/)

EMAIL US

[info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org)

CALL US

[866-928-3434](tel:8669283434)

[![ The Retreat ](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png.png?width=460&name=logo.png.png " The Retreat ")](https://www.theretreat.org/)

- [About](http://www.theretreat.org/about) 
    - [History](http://www.theretreat.org/about/history)
    - [Staff](http://www.theretreat.org/staff-and-leadership-team)
    - [Board of Directors](http://www.theretreat.org/about/board-of-directors)
    - [FAQs](http://www.theretreat.org/about/faqs)
    - [Testimonials](http://www.theretreat.org/about/testimonials)
    - [Careers](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/2025-Documents/Kitchen-Now-Hiring.png)
- [Programs](http://www.theretreat.org/programs) 
    - [Men’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/mens-residential-program)
    - [Women’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/womens-residential-program)
    - [Virtual Recovery Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/virtual-recovery-programs)
    - [Evening Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/evening-programs)
    - [55Plus Hybrid Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/55plus-program)
    - [Relapse Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/relapse-programs)
    - [Renewal Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/renewal-program)
    - [Family Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/family-program)
    - [Sober Housing](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/the-retreat-residences)
    - [Service Payments](http://www.theretreat.org/service-payments)
- [Retreats & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats) 
    - [Retreats, Classes & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat)
    - [Reserve McIver Center](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/private-group-retreats)
    - [Food Addiction Retreat (COR)](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/cor-retreats)
    - [Love First Training Institute](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat/love-first)
- [Donate](http://www.theretreat.org/donate) 
    - [Make a Gift](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-giving-form)
    - [Scholarship Support](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-support-scholarship)
    - [Donor Recognition & Tribute Opportunities](http://www.theretreat.org/our-next-step-naming-and-recognition)
- [Alumni & Friends](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends) 
    - [Calendar](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/calendar)
    - [Recovery Community Activities](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/recovery-community-activities)
    - [Alumni Association Events](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-association-events)
    - [Breakfast Club](http://www.theretreat.org/breakfast-club)
    - [Event Gallery](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-event-gallery)
    - [Kenny’s Recipes](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/kennys-recipes)
    - [Golf Extravaganza 2026](http://www.theretreat.org/golf-extravaganza)
- [Women in Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/women-in-recovery)
- [Research](http://www.theretreat.org/research) 
    - [Abstinence-Based Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery)
    - [Outcome Studies](http://www.theretreat.org/the-retreat-outcome-studies)
    - [Outcomes](http://www.theretreat.org/research/outcomes)
    - [Research On 12-Steps](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery)
- [Spiritual Direction](http://www.theretreat.org/spiritual-direction)
- Media 
    - [Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org)
    - [Podcast](http://www.theretreat.org/media/podcast)
    - [Newsroom](http://www.theretreat.org/media/in-the-news)
    - [Videos](http://www.theretreat.org/media/video-resources)
- [Contact](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us)

[NEED HELP NOW?](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us)

![RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg?width=5688&name=Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg "RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg")

# [A New Year's Message of Gratitude](https://blog.theretreat.org/a-new-years-message-of-gratitude)

 \[fa icon="calendar"\] Jan 1, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by [John Curtiss](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-curtiss)

![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/JCProfile.png?width=35&name=JCProfile.png)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

 \[fa icon="envelope"\][Share!](mailto:?to=&body=https://blog.theretreat.org/a-new-years-message-of-gratitude&subject=Retreat%20Blog%20Post)

Dear Alumni, Friends, and Supporters,

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared at The Retreat. With immense gratitude in my heart, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the profound impact we’ve made together. To date, we have helped nearly 33,000 men, women, and families find the road to recovery, each one a testament to the power of community, compassion, and hope.

This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, tireless volunteers, committed board members, and generous donors. Your belief in our mission has been the cornerstone of our success, and for that, I am deeply thankful. Each of you has played a vital role in transforming lives, providing a safe haven for those seeking recovery, and fostering a sense of belonging for all who walk through our doors.

As we look ahead to 2025, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. This coming year promises to be momentous, as we embark on our major men’s center “building community project”, set to begin in March of 2025, and if all goes according to plan, we will celebrate its completion in December 2025. This project is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about creating a nurturing environment where healing can flourish.

Founders Hall, our new two-story auditorium/meeting room, will allow us to host larger AA and Al-Anon meetings and CEU training programs, ensuring that we can continue to support our community’s needs. The addition of a yoga and meditation room, a fitness center, a music studio, and a new Fifth Step room will enhance our immersive Twelve Step, abstinence-based approach to recovery. We are also excited to expand and modernize our dining facilities, creating a warm and welcoming space for fellowship and nourishment.

As we step into this new year, let us carry forward the spirit of gratitude and hope that has defined our work. Together, we will continue to uplift and empower those who seek a new path, reminding them that they are never alone in their journey and that there is hope for a better life in recovery.

Thank you for being an integral part of The Retreat family. Your support fuels our mission and inspires us every day. Here’s to a new year filled with promise, growth, and the continued transformation of lives.

With heartfelt gratitude,

 Topics: [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [Gratitude](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude), [celebration](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration)

![John Curtiss](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/JCProfile.png?width=100&height=100&name=JCProfile.png)

#### Written by [John Curtiss](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-curtiss)

John is President of the Community of Recovering People board of directors and The Retreat. He is one of the principle designers of The Retreat model.

[\[fa icon="facebook-square"\]](https://www.facebook.com/theRetreatonline) [\[fa icon="linkedin-square"\]](https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-curtiss/b/509/80a) [\[fa icon="twitter-square"\]](https://twitter.com/theretreatmn)

### Subscribe to Email Updates

[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570)

- Recent
- Popular
- Categories

### Lists by Topic

- [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous)
- [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program)
- [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings)
- [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism)
- [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa)
- [AA Big Book (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book)
- [Recovery (77)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery)
- [Drugs Adiction (51)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction)
- [family recovery (49)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery)
- [Family Sober Support (48)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support)
- [Chemical Dependency (41)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency)
- [Drug Rehab (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab)
- [recovery process (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process)
- [12 Traditions Of AA (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa)
- [12 step program (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program)
- [Sober Housing (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/sober-housing)
- [Support Group (33)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group)
- [12 Steps (26)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps)
- [Women's Sober Residential (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential)
- [alcohol addiction (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction)
- [Alcoholism Treatment Program (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program)
- [alcohol abuse (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse)
- [Alcohol & Health (20)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health)
- [substance abuse (19)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse)
- [Men's Sober Residential (18)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential)
- [Older Adult Recovery Programs (14)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs)
- [help group (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group)
- [women in recovery (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/women-in-recovery)
- [Treatment Program (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program)
- [Drug Addiction (9)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction)
- [celebration (5)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration)
- [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Gratitude (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude)
- [families (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families)
- [Volunteering (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering)
- [higher power (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/higher-power)
- [Cinderella Syndrome (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome)
- [birthday (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/birthday)
- [podcast (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/podcast)

see all

### Posts by Topic

- [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous)
- [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program)
- [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings)
- [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism)
- [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa)
- [AA Big Book (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book)
- [Recovery (77)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery)
- [Drugs Adiction (51)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction)
- [family recovery (49)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery)
- [Family Sober Support (48)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support)
- [Chemical Dependency (41)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency)
- [Drug Rehab (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab)
- [recovery process (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process)
- [12 Traditions Of AA (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa)
- [12 step program (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program)
- [Sober Housing (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/sober-housing)
- [Support Group (33)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group)
- [12 Steps (26)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps)
- [Women's Sober Residential (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential)
- [alcohol addiction (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction)
- [Alcoholism Treatment Program (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program)
- [alcohol abuse (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse)
- [Alcohol & Health (20)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health)
- [substance abuse (19)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse)
- [Men's Sober Residential (18)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential)
- [Older Adult Recovery Programs (14)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs)
- [help group (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group)
- [women in recovery (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/women-in-recovery)
- [Treatment Program (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program)
- [Drug Addiction (9)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction)
- [celebration (5)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration)
- [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Gratitude (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude)
- [families (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families)
- [Volunteering (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering)
- [higher power (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/higher-power)
- [Cinderella Syndrome (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome)
- [birthday (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/birthday)
- [podcast (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/podcast)

see all

### Posts by Authors

- [Maj Donovan (95)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan)
- [John MacDougall (72)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-macdougall)
- [Staff Blog (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/staff-blog)
- [Sherry Gaugler-Stewart (27)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/sherry-gaugler-stewart)
- [Dick Rice (12)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dick-rice)
- [Kara F (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kara-f)
- [John Curtiss (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-curtiss)
- [Mark Korman (6)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/mark-korman)
- [DeAnna L. (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deanna)
- [Dede Armstrong (3)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dede-armstrong)
- [Jake Lewis (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-lewis)
- [Chris Nehotte (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/chris-nehotte)
- [Alex Curtiss, M.A. (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/alex-curtiss)
- [Jenna L. (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jenna-l)
- [Pam Broz (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/pam-broz)
- [Nancy Kaley (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/nancy-kaley)
- [Ellie Hyatt (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/ellie-hyatt)
- [Rich Murphy (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/rich-murphy)
- [Phil F. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/philip-farzanegan)
- [Lisa D. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-d)
- [Stephen Crane (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/stephen-crane)
- [Paddy O (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/paddy-o)
- [Connie Lawrence (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/connie-lawrence)
- [Bob Bernu (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/bob-bernu)
- [Lisa Speedling (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-speedling)
- [Kevin J (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kevin-j)
- [Jake L (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-l)
- [Women in Recovery (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/women-in-recovery)
- [Judge Shaun Floerke (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/judge-shaun-floerke)
- [Peter H (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/peter-h)
- [Deb Wuebker (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deb-wuebker)
- [Jay R. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jay-r)
- [Cecil B (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/cecil-b)
- [Lisa G. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-g)

see all

### Recent Posts

### OUR MISSION

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and drug dependency by providing affordable, effective educational services grounded in the Twelve Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

[Learn More →](https://www.theretreat.org/about)

 

*\*The Retreat is a supportive, educational recovery program and is not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical, or clinical treatment.*

### CONTACT US

Phone: 866-928-3434  
Phone: 952-476-0566  
Fax: 952-404-7208

Email: [info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org)

Address:  [1221 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata MN 55391](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1221+Wayzata+Blvd+E,+Wayzata,+MN+55391/@44.972252,-93.4978219,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x52b34b6393eefe71:0xa29dd4f038137ea6)

 

**[Our Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org)**  |  [Online Meeting Resources](https://myrecovery.org/online-meetings/) 

 

<https://www.facebook.com/theRetreatonline> <https://twitter.com/the_retreat> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retreat---wayzata-minnesota/> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-y2eCNjhvtQs7rN22l92kg> <https://www.instagram.com/theretreatmn/>

----------------------------  
"[The Retreat Daily](https://paper.li/e-1496866645)" Daily posts on recovery, sobriety, mental health, and everything in-between.

### NEED HELP NOW?

© 2025 The Retreat. All Rights Reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.theretreat.org/privacy-policy)

Powered By [BSPKN](https://www.bspkn.co/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "John Curtiss",
    "url" : "https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-curtiss"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-01-02T14:46:54.277Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-01-01T14:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "A New Year's Message of Gratitude",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/A%20New%20Years%20Message%20of%20Gratitude.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.theretreat.org/a-new-years-message-of-gratitude",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "The Retreat"
  }
}
```