Kate Reedy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience. She works with individuals and couples with stress, to increase mindfulness and inner calm, and to build better relationships.
It’s officially summer (FINALLY!), and you know what that means. Graduation Parties. Family Reunions. Weddings. Vacations. Many of us have more going on during this time of year. One of the best things you can do to ensure that you, your family and friends have a great time AND peace of mind is to plan ahead to celebrate safely. Let’s be honest – alcohol is often part of special occasions or social get-togethers. Living in a rural area can make getting home safely after a celebration a bit tricky – but the good news is that there are a growing number of resources available.
SafeRide Program – Offered by the Tavern League of Wisconsin, the SafeRide Program offers free or reduced fare rides home from bars/taverns that participate in this program. Check out their website to search for establishments that currently offer this service, or call for additional information:
https://www.tlw.org/search/CountySearch.aspx (608) 270-8591/(800) 445-9221
Bar Buddies – A non-profit organization started in the Sauk Prairie area, now also includes Baraboo, Reedsburg, Merrimac, Lodi and Spring Green. The program offers free rides home from any bar within a 5-mile radius and charges a minimal fee for rides to a tavern, or from bar to bar. Check out each community’s Facebook page/phone number for additional details:
https://www.facebook.com/BarBuddiesProgram (608) 370-4300 (Sauk Prairie area)
https://www.facebook.com/BarBuddiesBoo (608) 370-4354 (Baraboo)
https://www.facebook.com/ReedsburgBarBuddies/ (608) 495-9202 (Reedsburg)
https://www.facebook.com/barbuddieslodi/ (608) 575-7745 (Lodi)
https://www.facebook.com/RVAreaBarBuddies/ (608) 588-5591 (Spring Green area)
These wonderful programs are making a big difference, reducing the number of accidents and OWI’s in our community. Be sure to check them out! Just a bit of advance planning allows you to enjoy your fun summer plans AND get home safely. Isn’t your peace of mind worth it?
If you have questions or concerns about your or a loved one’s alcohol use, we offer compassionate support and effective strategies for healthy change. Call 608-742-5020 today for an appointment. Our address is 2639 New Pinery Rd., Suite 1.