OPI’s First Annual Alumni Weekend

opi alumni weekend

At OPI, we take an interest in the ongoing progress of participants, beyond their completion of our program. Since we started our OPI alumni newsletter in 2011, the idea of an alumni weekend to bring everyone together and catch up is something that I have wanted to plan for years. It feels like all that wanting and planning paid off, because we just ended our first alumni weekend, and I could not be more thrilled.

The event took place at the OPI office and offered presentations on a wide-range of topics. We had some physical exercise with our Movement Group, Yoga, and Cardio Kickboxing. We had a presentation or activity from each department that was created specifically for the weekend. There was also a CD/Group Therapy check-in, a DBT skills refresher which incorporated teaching of the new skills, and we ended the weekend with everyone’s favorite group – Improv.

Considering this was the first year doing an alumni weekend, I did not know what to expect; however the participants, the staff, and everyone’s level of engagement and excitement were far more than I ever expected. We had nine registered attendees who date back from 2010 to as recent as still being involved in our aftercare and outpatient programs. Several have relocated permanently in the Los Angeles area and other flew in specifically for the event. It was amazing to watch them meet, re-connect, and reminisce about their experiences at OPI.

We could not have handpicked a better group of participants who participated in each and every activity. What a joy to watch! This just proves that all of the blood, sweat and tears that we put into our work, is meaningful. One participant shared that even though some of the skills didn’t stick until much after their discharge, OPI helped them get where they are today and that is a testament to our work.

Just to give an idea of how this group of alumni is doing….

Out of the 9:

  • 7 are currently working, 1 just accepted a position, and 1 is on a job search
  • 5 are in school, 2 graduated and are working in their specified field or area of interest, and 1 would like to take a class while working
  • Several are still doing activities that they did while here
  • 3 are already interested in the Second Annual Alumni Event!

Aside from getting to see participants that I had the pleasure of working with during the past five years, I also got the opportunity to see my fellow co-workers shine in their elements. I had never experienced Movement Group with our nutritionist, Katie, but what a perfect way to start the first day of the event with some grounding work, breathing exercises, and Essential Oils. I even learned a new Psoas opener!

The DBT Refresher group with Rebecca, our OPI Intensive Coordinator, gave an excellent overview and refresher of the skills. It was awesome to hear how the current participants are still utilizing the skills!

The Education Department gave a really informative presentation with great tips for using on-campus resources and accommodations.

Paul from the Life Coaching department did a really powerful piece about a Hero’s Journey with each participant getting to create a narrative of their personal story.

We finished the first day with a tie dye activity with Sareen, Assistant Director of Activities, and the participants and staff loved it. It was so exciting to see our shirts the next morning and how they turned out.

The second day started with therapist Kim G. leading us in an hour of yoga that was both relaxing and energizing followed by the career presentation with Melody, Assistant Director of Career and Volunteer, that gave all of the participants an opportunity to be in the hot seat for interview-style questioning.

We kicked it up a notch with cardio kickboxing led by Halleh, Site Supervisor, which was the perfect activity to lead us into lunch. After lunch we did a Group Therapy/CD Check-in with Director of Addictions Counseling, Ryan, and therapist Kim J. that gave everyone the opportunity to share how they were doing mentally, physically, and spiritually.

We ended the event with Improv led by Kim J. and Nick,  Improv Coach, and it was inspiring to see the participants drop their judgments and fully immerse themselves into the various activities.

This weekend was a truly magical experience and I am filled with gratitude for those that facilitated, those that participated, and those they took time out of their busy lives to be part of this event. I am already planning for next year!