OC Sober Gals

OC Sober Gals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful connections for women beyond the bar. Our mission is to uplift and empower women by sponsoring alcohol-free events, supporting recovery, and giving back through philanthropy. We provide spaces where women can build authentic friendships, celebrate wellness, and work together to strengthen the community.

OC Sober Gals was founded with a simple but powerful vision: to create a space where women can build genuine connections without the pressure of alcohol.

In a culture where many social experiences revolve around drinking, it can feel isolating to want something different. Whether you are sober, sober curious, in recovery, or simply prioritizing your well being, OC Sober Gals exists to offer another way.

What began as a small gathering of women in Orange County has grown into a vibrant and supportive community rooted in inclusivity, authenticity, and connection. Through thoughtfully curated events such as wellness experiences, creative gatherings, and social outings, we create opportunities for women to meet, connect, and feel a true sense of belonging.

At our core, we believe connection is powerful. When women come together, meaningful change happens. In addition to fostering connection, we are committed to giving back. A portion of our efforts supports women in need, including those in recovery and those seeking safe and supportive environments to rebuild their lives.

OC Sober Gals is more than a social group. It is a movement centered on connection, intentional living, and community impact.

You don’t have to drink to belong.
You just have to show up.

At OC Sober Gals, impact starts with connection.

We have created a growing community of over 400 women in Orange County who are choosing a more intentional way to connect. Through consistent events, collaborations, and outreach, we provide a welcoming space where women can build friendships, feel supported, and experience social connection without alcohol.

Our impact extends beyond our gatherings through meaningful partnerships and fundraising efforts. We are proud to support our partnered charity, The Lynn House in Costa Mesa, a nonprofit that provides safe housing and resources for women in need. Through our community, we have raised funds to provide a full Thanksgiving meal, clothing necessities, and Christmas presents for the women they serve.

We also create opportunities for our members to give back directly. From donation drives to service-based events, our community shows up not only for each other, but for women rebuilding their lives.

Every event attended, every dollar raised, and every item donated contributes to something greater.

We are not just building friendships.
We are creating a community that uplifts, supports, and gives back.

As OC Sober Gals continues to grow, so does the need for resources that allow us to expand our impact and serve our community at a higher level.

Financial support is essential in helping us sustain and scale our programming, including hosting accessible events, funding community initiatives, and supporting our philanthropic efforts with partners such as The Lynn House in Costa Mesa. Monetary donations allow us to continue providing meaningful experiences while giving back to women in need.

Beyond financial contributions, in-kind support plays a critical role in bringing our events and mission to life. We are actively seeking donated or discounted rental spaces for gatherings, wellness events, and fundraisers throughout Orange County. Access to consistent venues allows us to reduce overhead and increase the number of events we can offer.

We also welcome product and service donations that enhance the experience for our attendees and support our charitable initiatives. This includes alcohol-free beverages and mocktails, food and catering, wellness items, self-care products, journals, apparel, and raffle items. These contributions not only elevate our events but also allow us to create donation drives and giveback opportunities for women in recovery and transitional housing.

Additionally, we are seeking community partners, instructors, and facilitators who can offer their time or services. This includes yoga instructors, wellness practitioners, speakers, and creatives who align with our mission and want to make a direct impact.

Every contribution, whether financial, in-kind, or service-based, helps us continue building a space where women can connect, grow, and feel supported while also extending that impact to those who need it most.

Orange County, California

OC Sober Gals was created from a very personal place.

I know what it feels like to crave connection, but feel like you don’t quite fit into the spaces around you. For a long time, so many social experiences felt centered around drinking, and I found myself wanting something different. I wanted real connection, meaningful conversations, and friendships that didn’t rely on alcohol to exist.

Choosing a path of recovery changed my life, but it also opened my eyes. I realized how many women were feeling the exact same way. Women who were sober, sober curious, healing, or simply looking for something deeper and more intentional.

OC Sober Gals became that space.

What started as a simple idea has grown into a community of women who show up for each other in the most genuine way. Women who come alone and leave with friendships. Women who support one another through every season of life. Women who remind each other that they are not alone.

But this is about more than just social events. Giving back is a huge part of my heart. Being able to support organizations like The Lynn House, and provide meals, clothing, and holiday gifts to women rebuilding their lives, is something that means so much to me. Because I understand how important it is to have support during those moments.

This community is proof that connection can be powerful, healing, and fun without alcohol.

If you’re reading this and wondering if you belong here, you do.

You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You just have to show up.

With gratitude,
Madeline Smith
Founder | OC Sober Gals