What exactly is the purpose of RCS?

RCS created and now operates a Retreat Center where members of any 12-Step Fellowship can come to spend a few days whenever they need to “retreat” from the ordinary routine of life and, in an atmosphere of Twelve-Step fellowship, apply themselves to the spiritual resources of the 12 Step way of life. Residents will choose how they want to spend their time, but staff members are present and available to help if requested. RCS will present an ongoing program of daily presentations and discussions on the Twelve-Steps and related spiritual topics which residents may attend if they choose to do so. Other opportunities for confidential group and one-on-one Sharing are also available. A library and other resources are for individual study are also be provided. RCS provides an ideal environment to do Fourth and Fifth Steps.  Back to top

Why is the Renewal Center Important?

RCS provides a serene environment to help further the 12 Step way of life by offering a place of fellowship and "retreat" from the daily turmoil and routine of life. It is be a place to be free from normal responsibilities to concentrate—with the help of like-minded people—on the spiritual resources which guide and sustain in the daily challenge of life. Back to top

Does RCS offer treatment for Alcoholism or any other kind of addiction or disorder?

ABSOLUTELY NOT. RCS does not offer any type of professional therapy for any type of addiction or other emotional, mental, or physical disorder.
RCS is dedicated to spiritual growth through the spiritual principles of the 12-Step program and through mutual help. It is assumed that residents at the Renewal Center will be fully capable of functioning in a self-directed, unsupervised environment. All residents who are members of a Twelve-Step Fellowship having an abstinence norm will be asked to affirm such abstinence. Back to top

 

What is the RCS Program?

The center offers a rotating cycle of structured presentations and discussions on the Twelve Steps and related spiritual topics. Opportunities for confidential group and one-on-one sharing, and recreation also provided.

In the first years of its operation the Renewal Center will be open on weekends (4:00 p.m. Friday to 4:00 Sunday) and some three-day weekends (4:00 p.m. Thursday to4:00 p.m. Sunday).

Activities include:

• Three to four hours of daily structured presentations and discussions on the
  12 Steps and related spiritual topics.

• Communal meeting each morning for spiritual reading, comments, and meditation.

• Plenty of free time for recreation and trail walking.

• Time for individual study and/or writing (e.g. Fourth Step).

• Individual time with staff members.

• Opportunities for Fifth Steps.

• Use of audio and visual tapes, CD's and an print library.

• Three meals served daily. 

The presentations and discussions of some weekends are "focused" on topics or themes. Other weekends are left "open" for whatever participants choose and need.

Topics or Themes covered in the focused weekends include:

• Powerlessness and Unmanageability

• Powerlessness / Acceptance

• Hope belief and Trust: The Spiritual Base

• Decision & Action

• Written and Oral Self-Analysis

• Willingness to be Changed

• Making Amends

• Continued Self-Evaluation

• Prayer and Meditation

• The Spiritual Awakening

• "Ego-Deflation at Depth AND Self-Esteem"

• Recovery from Shame and Guilt

• "An Attitude of Gratitude"

• The Serenity Prayer

• Psychological Journaling -- an Experiential Approach

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Who Can Participate?

Residence at RCS is open to anyone who affirms that he or she is a member of a Twelve Step fellowship and is adhering to its abstinence norm.

Residency is not be limited to those who can pay the full standard fee. Partial financial assistance (scholarships) will be available to those who have a financial need. There is no racial, religious, ethnic, sex, or age discrimination in granting admission or financial assistance. Our goal is to make RCS available to all who need and want our program   Back to top

How is RCS Supported and Financed?

The operation of RCS is financed by fees from guests, and continuing charitable contributions from friends. Significant charitable gifts are needed annually to subsidize our operation so that fees for guests can be kept low and affordable.

The cost of building and equipping RCS has been paid for by our Capital Campaign. Surplus funds will be accumulated in a Prudent  Reserve, the income from which (and if necessary, the principal of which) may be used to augment cash flow and to provide scholarships for those unable to pay on full residence fee.

Any revenues in excess of expenses will be added to the Prudent Reserve, which is invested in liquid income producing securities

As an important part of our long term financial plan , RCS will also seek to build a permanent endowment to help support the long term goals of RCS and financial stability. Back to top
 

Is RCS affiliated with, or endorsed by, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

No. RCS is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Alcoholics Anonymous or any other Twelve-Step Fellowship. RCS is a totally independent, not-for-profit self-governing corporation. We assume that AA and other Twelve-Step Fellowships have “no opinion” on RCS. Back to top
 

Who can come to RCS?

Anyone who affirms that he or she is a member of a 12-Step fellowship (and affirms the appropriate abstinence) may come to RCS. RCS does not in any way distinguish, differentiate or discriminate by race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation or age in granting either admission or scholarships. One simply needs to be a member of any Twelve-Step fellowship (“You're a member if you say you are.”) and, if it is a fellowship with an abstinence norm, be able to affirm such abstinence. Back to top
 

What if I can't afford to attend RCS?

RCS will offer partial scholarships for those unable to pay the full all-inclusive daily fee for residence. We aim to make RCS accessible financially to all members of 12 Step fellowships. Please see our schedule of rates for details.  Back to top
 

How is RCS organized? What is its legal status?

RCS is a North Carolina not-for-profit Corporation, managed by a Board of Directors. RCS is exempt from Federal Income Taxes under Section 501 (c) (3) and is exempt from North Carolina Income Tax. The IRS has defined RCS as a publicly supported organization, not a private foundation. RCS has members (and anyone supportive of its goals is eligible for membership) but members have no voice in the governing of the Corporation and are also not liable for any assessments or dues. Back to top

Financial Needs and Goals.

Building and equipping our center has been funded by our Capital Campaign. Surplus funds will be accumulated in a prudent reserve, the income from which (and if necessary, the principal or which) may be used to argument cash flow. The on-going operation of  RCS is financed by fees from guest and continuing charitable contributions from friends. Significant charitable gifts are needed annually to subsidize  our operation so fees from guests can be kept to low. Any revenues in excess of expenses with be added to the prudent reserve, which is invested in liquid income-producing securities. As an important part of our long-term financial plan, RCS will also seek to build a permanent endowment to help support the long term growth and financial stability of RCS.

Contributions to RCS are federally tax-deductible as provided in section 170 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, within any limitations prescribed by the law, which may apply, to the donor.

All contributions are considered available for unrestricted use, unless specifically restricted by the donor. Under an amendment to the RCS Articles of Incorporation required by the IRS for tax-exemption, in the event of the dissolution of the corporation, any assets remaining must be distributed for a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt purpose, or to a governmental body, and could not be refunded to contributors.

The corporation’s books and financial statements are annually audited by Thomas, Knight, Trent, King and Co., Certified Public Accountants. Potential donors will be encouraged to make pledges, as will as cash contributions. Pledge forms are available here or from the address at the bottom of this page.

We are seeking cash, pledges, and in-kind gifts from individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations.  

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