Sober College
Woodland Hills, CA

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Creating a New Dream

Sober College's proposal has been accepted by Guinness World Records to break the record for the world's largest dream catcher. For a young adult in recovery, the battle to live a healthy and sober life is ongoing. One can even say the nightmare is never really over as they struggle to maintain their sobriety. Sober College, a residential treatment facility for young adults (17-26) recognizes this struggle and in an attempt to create a symbol of hope for their future, its residents and staff will attempt to construct the world's largest dream catcher.

In Native American culture, the dream catcher is traditionally hung over the beds of infants and children as a way to filter out nightmares, allowing only positive dreams to flow through. Sarah Frank, Sober College Creative Arts Director and art therapist says, "By focusing our efforts on the education and rehabilitation of young substance abusers and addicts, we teach them how to stay safe from the debilitating, nightmarish, and life-threatening consequence of drug and alcohol abuse." In essence, Sober College acts as a dream catcher; it helps students deal with the negativity of their past in order to focus on a positive, more productive future.

The goal of Sober College students and staff is to approach this project from a place of cultural sensitivity; in doing so, they will use all natural materials along with conducting independent research in the form of peer-reviewed articles and a field trip to a local Pow Wow to speak with representatives of Native American culture. Frank believes this process will increase students' cultural awareness and sensitivity which promotes self-discovery.

By taking on this monumental project "we are demonstrating the power of a group of people to make positive change in the world" says Frank. This group-effort will ultimately lead to connection, collaboration and the opportunity to celebrate diversity. More importantly, according to Frank, it will demonstrate how creativity can serve "as a healthy way to cope with life's stressors and build self-esteem."

Sober College is a small private institution providing alcohol and alcohol and drug treatment environments for young adults age 17 to 25. The Sober College curriculum builds core competencies in life skills, employment, academics, emotional well-being and fitness.