A Spotlight on Alisha Melton, Board Member at The Wheelhouse
Q: Alisha, can you tell us about your journey with The Wheelhouse?
A: I first moved here in 2000 and my husband struggled with drugs and alcohol, really drugs at that point. We always believed The Wheelhouse was the answer, even before we fully understood its impact. By 2005, he was struggling and finally recognized that he needed help. In 2021, he got my last shot at recovery through The Wheelhouse. It was a turning point.
My passion for sobriety motivates me to stay involved. I’ve lived a painful, long journey through my husband’s addiction, and I know the struggles firsthand. I have a servant’s heart, and want to help others find sobriety and heal. The damage addiction does to individuals and families is immense, and I’m committed to supporting others through their recovery.
Q: What has been one of your most rewarding experiences at The Wheelhouse?
A: The most rewarding experience has been seeing my husband sober and experiencing a real marriage. Before, I didn’t know if we could attend events or plan ahead because I never knew if he’d be sober. Now, I can confidently RSVP months in advance. Another rewarding moment was seeing one of my old students from my time in the school district at a fundraiser. He had struggled with addiction, and his mom had been an enabler. Seeing him sober and proud was incredibly fulfilling.
Q: You’ve volunteered and served as a board member. What experiences stand out to you?
A: The cake auction was eye-opening. I was new to the board, and I saw how much people are willing to contribute to support the cause. One auction item, banana pudding, raised $5,000! It wasn’t about the pudding; it was about supporting men in recovery. That experience really warmed my heart and showed me the depth of the community's commitment to The Wheelhouse.
Q: How do you see The Wheelhouse’s impact on the community?
A: The Wheelhouse helps men get clean and sober, return to their families, and become productive members of society. It’s a lifeline, especially since rehab is often unaffordable. The Wheelhouse offers a 30-day program at no cost, and I believe it has better recovery outcomes than many expensive rehab programs.
Imagine being a man in The Wheelhouse, knowing that you have a whole community paying for you to be there to get better. You don’t just have your family sitting at home hoping and praying. You have over 30,000 people pouring into you, giving you hope that you can be better.
Q: Can you share your thoughts on The Wheelhouse’s programs and initiatives?
A: I love the golf tournament because I have a family of golfers. I used to golf myself, but now I spend my money on shoes. I love the cake auction. The cake auction is a win-win for me, because what girl doesn't dream about cake? I’m excited about The Wheelhouse’s upcoming 5K fundraiser. I did my first 5K, and it felt so good that while we were leaving that 5K, we signed up for another one in the park. It’s something my son and I now do together.
I’m also passionate about finding new donors. People often don’t know about The Wheelhouse until they see the results. It’s a place where recovery happens, not just a bed to sleep in. The structure, expectations, and support make it unique. It's not a 30-day vacation. There's work. You're literally living and breathing AA for 30 days, carrying it with you. You're not just reading about it. You're living it.
I thought it was cool that when my husband was there, they brought in someone who helped him get what he needed like a driver's license and social security card. The Wheelhouse is setting these guys up for success.