Casper, WY — In May, the 12‑24 Club welcomed Joy Shain as its new executive director, a move that community members say strengthens the organization’s mission of offering anonymous daily meetings and recovery support to those battling alcohol and narcotics addiction.
Local roots and professional background
Shain, who earned a Ph.D. in business administration with a focus on industrial‑organizational psychology from National University in July 2025, brings a blend of academic expertise and hands‑on experience. Before pursuing her doctorate, she worked as a social worker in healthcare and volunteered with several nonprofits, giving her a solid foundation in service‑oriented work.
Her personal connection to the 12‑24 Club runs deep. Shain first entered the program while seeking sobriety for herself, and she credits that experience with shaping her commitment to helping others. “I can relate to a lot of the members that come through here,” she said. “I know what it’s like to be on the other end of using drugs and alcohol and what it’s like at rock bottom.”
Leadership style focused on openness
Board president Destiny Smith praised Shain’s approach, noting that staff feel comfortable bringing any concern—or even personal news—to her. “The staff love her and they are very willing to come to her with really anything,” Smith said. “Not just problems, not just conflict, but also to share their personal lives and be open and honest about what’s going on.”
Both Shain and Smith highlighted an open‑door policy that fosters community and clear communication. Patrons frequently stop by the club’s Fresh Start Café to greet Shain, voice concerns, or simply chat, reinforcing the welcoming atmosphere.
Adaptability in daily operations
Shain described her role as fluid, requiring her to pivot as circumstances change. On short‑staffed days, she works in the kitchen, delivering food, washing dishes, and assisting with cooking. On quieter days, she focuses on grant research, networking with community partners, and strengthening the club’s operations.
Funding fluctuations—a common challenge for nonprofits—remain a primary concern, as does staffing the Fresh Start Café, which provides job training and employment for individuals in recovery. Despite these hurdles, Shain said the board’s support makes her job rewarding.
Mission and community impact
The 12‑24 Club’s core purpose is to provide daily anonymous meetings for people seeking to quit drugs and alcohol. “The only requirement to join the group is the desire to quit using drugs and alcohol,” Shain explained.
Having lived in Casper since 2005 and raising her children in nearby Bar Nunn, Shain feels deeply connected to the area. She enjoys local hiking, four‑wheeling, and swimming, and she believes the club’s roots are “pretty ingrained into the community.”
Looking ahead, Shain aims to continue supporting members and staff alike. “What can I do for you to make your job successful? That’s how I approach any kind of leadership,” she said. “I like to lead by example and be a support for people, rather than dictating what to do.”
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
