Your Sober Pal is eligible for a $25,000 grant to be used to organize a backpacking course and adventure retreats that will help women in recovery learn new skills and connect with other women.
The goal is to help them feel empowered within their sobriety.
The program already won a $10,000 grant in June of this year from Women's Net, a non-profit committed to helping women start and grow their business dreams.
Winning that grant made them eligible for the $25,000 end of year grant.
“I’m really excited about it because it will enable me to grow this business as well as start a scholarship fund to help women who can't necessarily afford to attend one of these programs to be able to participate,” said Laura Van Antwerp, Founder and CEO of Your Sober Pal LLC.
Van Antwerp said she also struggled with a drinking addiction, and she understands firsthand the struggle with how it feels ending addiction.
“I felt like I would never be able to have confidence or courage without alcohol, and what I found in sobriety is that I can have all those things and also the adventure that I sought from drinking, and I’m really passionate about this because I found so much joy, courage, and excitement through spending time in the outdoors,” said Van Antwerp.
Van Antwerp says getting sober isn't easy, but it's the best decision she's ever made. She wants people struggling to know, not only can they get sober but there are people and resources out there to support you.
“So I created this business to help women who are exploring a life in sobriety feel that confidence, that courage to learn new things and to feel that carefree adventurous spirit that they thought they lost with alcohol. They didn’t.” Van Antwerp explains.
She created this business to help those struggling not only with addiction but also those who struggle to find joy and purpose in sobriety.
“The feedback has been so amazing and that’s why I’m excited to hopefully grow this business and reach more women and people who are on this amazing journey,” said Van Antwerp.
In 2024 she'll be offering free backpacking 101 courses to teach women everything they need to know to spend the night in the woods while also creating a safe space for women to share their stories.
“Backpacking is so amazing," said Van Antwerp. "I wish I could explain just how it feels... you feel so empowered you feel so adventurous, you’re having to filter your own water set up your own tent and basically survive overnight in the wilderness. And I know it seems scary but once you learn it, it’s no big deal and it’s really really exciting.”
They'll also be hosting a four-day five-night Tahoe adventure retreat in Lake Tahoe for up to fifteen women as well as a white-water rafting adventure.
The Amber Grant is awarded to twelve entrepreneurs across the USA and Canada every year and she is the only Nevada recipient this year.
Van Antwerp is asking the community to vote for her. The year end grant is based on a variety of qualifications but also based on public vote. You can vote for her, just click here or here.
