There’s no question that staying sober is hard work. In order to be successful, many of our participants find that they need to make significant changes to support their new lifestyle — a new job, new friends, new social interests and a different living arrangement, to name a few. Sober Corps has assembled a team of volunteer mentors to help individuals in their journeys to sobriety as they navigate the emotions and logistics that come with starting over. The mentor relationship is not intended to replace a sponsor in a 12-step program, but partner with participants to provide additional support.
Founded in 2007, Sober Corps is an operating arm of American Academy Initiative — an organization committed to dramatically reducing American prison incarcerations through the education, meaningful employment, holistic living and spiritual development of at-risk, chemically dependent young people. Sober Corps supports the overarching mission of American Academy Initiative by providing a dynamic way to strengthen the recovery process during a person’s critical first year of sobriety.
Located in downtown Minneapolis, it has always been Sober Corps’ belief that accessibility is a key element to providing a successful mentoring program. Through a partnership with Gethsemane Episcopal Church, Sober Corps is able to be centrally located in the community. At the same time, Gethsemane is able to fulfill its mission to bring empowerment to “the least of those brethren.”
“I came to Sober Corps looking for a tool to help me in my sobriety. Instead I found a friend and companion to help me through life’s ups and downs in a sober manner. I discovered my true self. Thank you, Sober Corps.” — Mike
Mission
Sober Corps is a community dedicated to helping people achieve their first year of freedom from chemical addiction through life-skills mentorship, training and networking.
Vision
Sober Corps’ vision is to begin a movement to reduce the cost of substance abuse and incarceration throughout the United States while providing an opportunity to strengthen long-term recovery success that is affordable for everyone.
Board of Directors
Fred Myers, President
In 1984, Fred founded Rebuild Resources (and later Rebuild Academy). He oversaw 20 years of development and operations to employ and empower hundreds of disadvantaged chemically dependent young people. He served as President of the Board of Directors of Rebuild Resources with operational responsibilities as well as fund-raising and business development duties. Fred’s active involvement with the community led to the 2001 nomination of the “Service Above Self” Award from the Edina Rotary Club.
Prior to the establishment of Rebuild Resources, Fred pursued a career with Caterpillar Tractor Company and with the Minnesota independent dealer, Ziegler, Inc. He served as special field representative for Caterpillar, calling on dealers in sales functions. At Ziegler he held several management positions including material handling manager, sales development manager, VP Wisconsin Operations and General Tractor, and VP of Corporate Marketing.
Jim Rufi, Treasurer
Jim has over 15 years’ experience working with people struggling with chemical dependency. Jim worked at several treatment centers prior to working 10 years at Rebuild Resources, Inc., where he had responsibilities ranging from sales and donations to operations management. He currently is a manager at Goodwill Industries.
Jim received a B.A. in political science and psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and a Master of Public Administration degree from San Diego State University.
Steve Krenz
After returning from military service with the US Navy in Vietnam, Steve spent 26 years in the retail automotive industry. He began as a salesman and eventually purchased his own dealership, which he successfully operated until 1993. At that point Steve began a career in the financial services industry where he remains today. He uses his extensive financial and business capabilities as well as outstanding sales and people skills in serving his customers.
Steve has volunteered at the Hennepin County Workhouse for over 30 years, helping inmates with drug and alcohol problems. He has been an active member of AA since 1971.
Rick Jacobson
Rick has an extensive career in operations management in the manufacturing and television industries. Currently, Rick serves as a Systems Consultant to Metro Cable Network, Channel 6. Since Sober Corps’ founding in 2007, Metro Cable Network has been a strong supporter of the organization, and it is through this vehicle that Rick has become involved in Sober Corps. Rick is an active member of the recovery community.
Jamie Ledin
Jamie is the President of Trei LLC, which owns and operates multi-unit Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches franchisees. He has a B.S. in commercial design from Bemidji State University and an MBA from University of St. Thomas. Jamie has an extensive career background in business development and entrepreneurship. He has demonstrated success in his ability to launch a new business and have it reach superior, measured results. It is with this successful business experience, along with his own personal recovery story, that Jamie enthusiastically joins our Board of Directors.
