About WSFC

The West Suburban Fellowship Club was established to provide a safe secure meeting place for those seeking recovery from addictions. It is also a social club for fellowship and functions for members and their families. The WSFC is owned, operated and maintained by members. The WSFC is an independent organization and is not affiliated with A.A., N.A. or any other organization.

Documents

WSFC Mission Statement

The Club’s activities relate solely to the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from alcoholism and other addictions, including their family members, through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous and other formally recognized “12 Step Programs”, by providing and maintaining safe and comfortable meeting facilities for such individuals and programs.

Our History

1998-1999
Members of the “Acorn Group” in River Forest, Joe T., Rich S. and Mike L., had the idea to start a club in Naperville.

Their strong affiliations with the Suburban Fellowship Club (SFC) of Forest Park helped boost their efforts with experience, successes and much needed financial support. Many members gave money and time, and they often helped with construction.

The original articles of incorporation were modeled after the SFC, Westmont and Villa Park Clubs.

First Meetings and Early Years
The first meeting at the original location was at 1001 E Chicago Ave Naperville, IL 60540. It was a speaker meeting followed by a dance to help raise money for rent. Dues were $40 for members.

The first month had a schedule on weekdays of 7AM, 5PM, 7PM, and 8:30PM with Noon meetings Wednesday and Friday. The weekend had two open speaker meetings, Sat at 8PM and Sunday 9AM.

There was little furniture, but there was coffee pot and a big book. It was not uncommon for the person responsible to open the door to be sitting in his car waiting for the second person to come. The reason given was that it was warmer and more comfortable in the car.

In the early years there were growing pains, both financial and philosophical, but the doors stayed open.

Fun Events and Open Dinners
The club moved to the Ogden location and has been a home to more than 40 meetings a week for multiple 12 step programs. These include AA, NA, AlAnon, CODA and GA.

For many years a dedicated team of members held open dinners on Saturday nights. Members brought food, and one member often cooked for everyone. There have been many parties in the courtyard.

Facing the Challenge of COVID-19
The club did not let COVID-19 stop our meetings that the members and recovery community relies on. Our members immediately served the community by setting up Zoom meetings and finding ways to safeguard our facility. Today we are kicking off a new era in the club.