History of the Alcoholic Recovery Center

The Alcoholic Recovery Center was started by a group of local businessmen in recovery.  It opened in September 1971.  There were still a lot of people without homes after the May 11, 1970 tornado. The ARC has operated at the same location since we opened in 1971.  The first beds were donated by the hospital at Reese Air Force Base.  In 1998, we broke ground for the new dorm.  After completion of the dorm in early 2000, we gutted the existing building down to the walls and put in everything new.  This project lasted for about 10 years as we waited for donations and laborers.  The Recovery Center was ready to go another 30 years when we finished. Bud Nelson came down from Amarillo to be the first director when we opened.  He stayed about six months and moved on.  Next, Dottie Patterson and her husband Dick took over.  Dottie ran the center for over 25 years.  She did try to retire briefly, but that did not last.  Don and Barbara Russell were asked to take over and try to keep the place open in October 1996.  No one knew what God had planned!  They have been the directors nearly thirteen years. Many lives have changed as men have come to the ARC for help over the years.  The results are not always immediately visible.  Seeds are planted and they may not grow for a while.  Hundreds of men have walked through our doors over the past 38 years. We are funded primarily from contributions by generous individuals, businesses, and organizations.  The clients contribute a small amount each week toward their care along with helping to keep the facility clean. There are three AA meetings held here each week.  They are well attended by people outside the Recovery Center.