Overeaters Anonymous
Park Ridge
Step Work Meeting

The format we use to take the 12 steps is based upon the original AA Beginners’ Meetings from the 1940s. In the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous, newcomers were expected to work all 12 steps within weeks, sometimes even in a single day. This rapid approach ensured that newcomers were focusing on taking the action necessary to recover.

Our 60-minute, weekly meeting is grounded in readings from Alcoholics Anonymous (a.k.a., "The Big Book") and The 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, as well as sharing from attendees. In a structured and supportive environment, we hear experience, strength, and hope from those who have recovered from this "seemingly hopeless state of mind and body."

There is a quote on page 58 of the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" about what is required BEFORE a person takes the 12 steps: “If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it – then you are ready to take certain steps.”

Our meeting is for anyone who wants what we have and is willing to go to any lengths to get it. We take all 12 steps over the course of about 5 weeks. A true beginner may not be entirely ready to jump right into our method. They may need to hear more stories of recovery, like those available in the Helpful Links portion of our Resources section, below.

We encourage you to reach out to our meeting contact (info at the bottom of the page) if you're unsure if this meeting is right for you.

Our meeting is not a workshop. It is a weekly meeting where compulsive eaters, both recovered and not yet recovered, gather to help each other work the 12 Steps of Overeaters Anonymous, so that we may recover. While we encourage everyone to attend all of our meetings, we understand that life happens. If you miss a meeting, we'll see you at the next one!

Our meeting believes that we recover not as a result of going to meetings, but as a result of a personality change that comes about when we work the 12 Steps. 

Our meeting is like a typical Overeaters Anonymous meeting; however, while many Overeaters Anonymous meetings center around reading a chapter from Alcoholics Anonymous (the “Big Book”) or The 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, our meeting is a little different. Instead of focusing on just one chapter, we structure each meeting around working one or more of the 12 Steps. We use selected readings from those books, along with insights we've gained from other recovered members, to guide the discussion. After the step work, we open the floor for everyone to share.

Yes.  The Park Ridge Step Work Meeting is a registered OA meeting (#58230) and is affiliated with Suburban North Intergroup (#09118). What makes our meeting different from most is that we work through all 12 Steps in cycles of about 5 weeks. We focus on the solution, not the problem—sharing our stories and supporting one another through step work.

No, there is no cost to join Overeaters Anonymous.

OA is a self-supporting organization, which means we do not charge dues or fees. Instead, we rely on voluntary contributions from our members to cover meeting expenses and support our broader mission. The Park Ridge Step Work Meeting expenses include meeting supplies, a monthly donation to the church allowing us to use their space, and contributions to OA service offices. Contributions are appreciated but not required. The current suggested contribution is $5 per meeting, or give what you can afford. However, never stay away from a meeting for financial reasons. Give what you can when you can.

St. Luke's Lutheran Church's primary parking lot is located directly north of the church, accessible from Prospect St. 

Additional street parking is available along Cedar Street, on the South side of the Church.

You may enter via the east side of the building, off the alley or via the front doors of the church, on Cedar. There will be a sign taped to each door so you'll know you're in the right place.