For years, Local 2 leadership has advocated for mental health awareness among its members, so George Alexander’s (Local 14) Heat & Frost Recovery Group was a no-brainer. Alexander founded the group as a free resource to help union insulators struggling with addiction. When Local 2 Business Agent John Stewart met Alexander at a conference, he immediately recognized the value of supporting the group and its mission.
After overcoming his own struggles with addiction, Alexander found purpose in helping others. He first tested an in-person recovery group at his union hall in Philadelphia, but quickly realized participants needed more anonymity.
“We had a hard time getting people to attend because they were afraid it could affect their careers if they were seen at a meeting,” says Alexander.
He shelved the in-person idea and began to focus on a virtual recovery group specific to punk rock fans called Street Loyal. Even with his focus on Street Loyal, he never forgot about his union brothers that were in need of a similar resource. After a few months of success, Alexander knew the right model and saw the potential for a similar Zoom-based group specific to union insulators and their families. With proof of concept, spreading the word was next.
The Heat & Frost Recovery Group is a weekly virtual meeting for union insulators and their family members who are facing addiction and mental health challenges. Held every Thursday at 8 p.m. via Zoom, the meeting features a speaker sharing personal experiences with recovery. Unlike traditional 12-step programs, this group offers a judgment-free space focused on connection and support.
“I wanted something more universal with a more comfortable environment than AA and some other types of meetings. If this is someone’s stepping-stone to a more traditional program, great…but Heat & Frost needed to be broader and more laid back because addiction can be more than just drugs and alcohol,” says Alexander.
Attendees are welcome to sign on without showing their faces or giving their real names. Alexander says there are only two rules:
“It’s for union insulators and their families only, and respect for others is mandatory.”
This meeting provides a safe, stigma-free space for those seeking support. Alexander wants everyone who has struggled to know they are not alone.
“I envision this being bigger than Local 14 and Local 2. I hope that the entire international can get involved because there are a lot of members struggling in silence,” added Alexander.
From day one, Local 2 has supported the program. Cassidy and Stewart, both personally familiar with these issues, recognized its importance immediately. Local 2 members have helped promote, structure, and participate in the weekly meetings.
Join the meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 8 pm by using Meeting ID: 232 344 0706. Please share this resource to help others who may be in need.
“Let’s start saving lives and stop ignoring the problem,” concluded Alexander.