Maura Wilkins Foundation

Mission:

The Maura Wilkins Foundation is committed to offering 12-Step retreats, sober events, and a supportive community for individuals on their recovery journey from alcohol and substance use.

About:

The Maura Wilkins Foundation was established in 2023 by a group of friends who recognized the need for affordable retreats, workshops, and events for individuals in recovery from alcohol and substance use. 

Recovery can be a challenging journey, especially for those new to sobriety. Led by dedicated volunteers with long-term sobriety, the Maura Wilkins Foundation offers day retreats, overnight retreats, sober dinners, and social events. 

The gatherings provide a secure environment for  individuals to share their experience, strength, and hope, and to enjoy the companionship of others in recovery.  Social support plays a crucial role in helping people avoid relapse.  

Hearing personal stories of recovery and learning how others avoid triggers and cope with social pressures without alcohol or drugs is highly beneficial to the newcomer. 

We partner with the Gavin Foundation and halfway houses and invite their residents to our events, where they meet other individuals in recovery.  

Together we form connections and establish friendships, so that the residents will have a support system in place when they leave the facility. 

Everyone is welcome, and no one is denied access due to financial difficulties.

Maura Wilkins was born in Tobercurry, County Sligo, Ireland, and lived in Milton for 40 years. 

Family and helping others in recovery were of utmost importance to her. She was the loving mother of Robert (deceased) and Brian Wilkins. She adored her grandsons Desmond and Declan and her brothers and sisters. 

Maura was a shining light to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She extended her hand to help others in recovery with a smile, a hug, and her great Irish wit. As she told us, “Don’t leave before the miracle happens.”

We established this foundation in Maura’s memory with love and gratitude. We consider ourselves blessed that she was our friend.

• Ken Casey, Dropkick Murphys
• Majella Dermody, Boston University
• Kathy Flaherty, Marion Equity, LLC
• Craig Galvin, The Galvin Group
• Robert Johnson, Netwatch North America
• Maribeth M. MacDonald, MA,CNP, Executive Director 
• Marilyn (Lynn) Meaney, LADC, Lynnergy/Boston
• Jane Pikor, Emerson College (retired)
• PJ Preskenis, MBA, Boston Public Schools
• Mary Tiernan, St. John Paul II Catholic Academy 
• Honorable Martin J. Walsh, NHL Players Association 
• Kristen White, MEd, Caritas Communities