Karlynn Fulmer’s enthusiasm shines as she talks about The Meeting Place (TMP). The recently hired executive director attended her first support meeting at TMP two years ago as she embarked on her journey to sobriety.
Founded in 2010 as a literal meeting place for individuals in recovery, TMP became a nonprofit organization in 2015. Although TMP maintains no affiliation with specific fellowships or 12-step groups, it provides a welcoming space for recovery groups to hold meetings and events.
Located at 981 Cowen Drive in Carbondale, TMP is nestled downstairs from Mountain Temp Services.
With 24 in-person recovery meetings each week, it’s a busy place. Fulmer estimates that 480 individuals attend meetings each week. Her hiring as a paid staff member marks a significant milestone for TMP and represents the next stage of growth for the organization.
Fulmer grew up in rural South Carolina and, in 2014, graduated from the University of South Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology and a minor in counseling.
In 2016, she moved to the Denver area where, after six months, she realized, “It was too much of a city for me.”
Having done some skiing back East, she decided, “It was time for me to go to the ski hills. So I went to Vail, and I loved it. I was running restaurants and the local bowling alley and had fun skiing and meeting people,” she recalled. “But, that’s also when my addiction showed itself, because I thought, ‘Everybody is doing it, so it’s fine,’ and then it became this thing that was out of control.”
Ski town culture, often synonymous with a party lifestyle, can lead to substance abuse issues, she said. “I think there’s this working-class mentality about serving vacationers, that you become involved in the party lifestyle yourself.”
Fulmer said individuals face challenges in our community, including a high cost of living and rental crisis. Life’s difficulties can impact mental health and, for some, create a tendency of turning to substances to cope.
“The party lifestyle can be geared toward substance abuse, but what we’re trying to do with people is show them the light. Like, ‘Hey, there’s so much to do if you’re not hungover,’ and when you have people that are supportive, then you will see it’s all about perspective,” she stated. “You will see the opportunities to be active and enjoy this beautiful place to live.’”
After moving to Glenwood Springs, Fulmer called A Way Out, a Carbondale-based nonprofit organization that provides free addiction assessments, treatment solutions, peer recovery support, therapy and support groups for family members. A Way Out helped her with sober living and addiction treatment.
Building on a solid foundation
TMP has secured its lease until 2029, so “that adds to the stability and longevity that we already were planning on, by staying in the same place,” Fulmer shared.
Attendance has increased at meetings, which are scheduled throughout the day, making it convenient for individuals to incorporate them into their daily routines. With sessions at 6:45am for those heading to work and 7:30pm for those on their way home, participants receive support to stay sober.
“Adding those habits into your routine helps change your brain chemistry and its neural pathways,” Fulmer explained. “You’re focusing on community and the good message of recovery.”
TMP collaborates with local groups to host events, including a recent sober New Year’s Eve party and an upcoming recovery-focused Valentine’s Day event.
“Moving forward, we’re looking to prioritize the time that we do have [the space] available,” continued Fulmer, “and see what more we can do to work with other organizations to collaborate on different types of events.”
Another topic of discussion is the potential introduction of Spanish-speaking meetings.
In her role, Fulmer envisions engaging the community in ongoing conversations to prioritize and address evolving needs.
“I came to the Valley to get sober, and now I want to support this sober community because that’s who got me sober and supported me,” Fulmer concluded.
For more information about TMP programming and meetings, visit www.meetingplacecarbondale.org or email info@meetingplacecarbondale.org