The Serenity Center

A safe and welcoming home for 12-step recovery meetings and self-help groups in Columbia, Maryland — since 1993.

Join the Board


The Serenity Center is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the recovery community. The Board keeps the Center open and welcoming for everyone, so that the doors stay open for every fellowship that meets here.

We are looking for new Board members. If you care about this place and want to give back, we would love to hear from you.

Our mission

To provide a safe place in a caring environment for people who are seeking recovery through 12-step or other complementary recovery programs.

The Serenity Center was established in 1993 by people in recovery. Today it hosts dozens of weekly meetings (in person, online, and hybrid) from many 12-step and recovery fellowships.

Our values

  • Compassion, love, and kindness. All people are created equal, and we treat everyone that way.
  • Democracy. We value the trust that our recovery community gives us to carry out our mission.
  • Service. Service is a key part of recovery. We encourage volunteering, and we take ownership of caring for our meeting facility.

What you get from Board service

  • Speak for the needs of the fellowship you represent.
  • Be of service to the wider recovery community, including all 12-step fellowships.
  • Help guide the future of The Serenity Center.
  • Grow your recovery life with a wider network and new friendships.
  • Learn new skills, such as fundraising, storytelling, and financial management.
  • Build your leadership skills by chairing a committee or an event.
  • Make a lasting impact as an ambassador for The Serenity Center.

What Board members do

  • Advance the vision and mission of The Serenity Center.
  • Make a personal investment in the Center, and take care of its resources.
  • Use personal and professional networks to support the Center’s financial health.
  • Speak up for the Center and spread the word about its impact.
  • Read the agenda, minutes, and reports before each Board meeting, so you can take an active part.
  • Attend the monthly Board meeting: the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM, online.
  • Help plan and run Serenity Center fundraising events.

Who we are looking for

  • People with leadership experience, a commitment to our mission, and a passion for a safe and welcoming home for 12-step recovery meetings.
  • People who enjoy networking, building relationships, and fundraising.
  • People who can actively serve a one-year term, and up to two terms in a row.
  • Skills we need most: PR, marketing, fundraising, philanthropy, and grant writing.

We value different perspectives and identities. We especially want people from all of the 12-step fellowships that meet at The Serenity Center.

How to apply

Send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Board Application”. Include:

  1. Your name, fellowship(s), email address, and phone number.
  2. Any experience you have with: board participation, board leadership, PR, marketing, fundraising, or grant writing.
  3. Your community activities, such as other nonprofit boards or committees.
  4. Your other interests.
  5. Why you want to serve on the Board of The Serenity Center.
  6. Answers to these three questions:
    • Can you attend monthly Board meetings for one year?
    • Can you take part in fundraising activities?
    • Will you keep Board matters confidential?

Prefer paper? Paper applications are in the kitchen at The Serenity Center. Fill one in, and follow the instructions on the form to turn it in.

Questions? Email us at the same address. We are happy to tell you more.