Fire For Effect Foundation Partners With Sober Sips Society For First Responder Day And More
- Fire Team
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
The Sober Sips Society, a Raynham-based non-alcoholic beverage business founded by Detective Russell Berry and his wife Jessie, is making headlines again. This time, they are partnering with the Fire For Effect Foundation to provide inclusive, alcohol-free options for First Responder Day, an event dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who serve as first responders.
A Mission Rooted in Sobriety and Inclusion
Sober Sips Society was born out of Russell Berry’s personal journey to sobriety. After two decades in law enforcement, Russell recognized the toll his career had taken on his mental health and turned to sobriety as a way to heal and grow. Inspired by his transformation, Jessie launched Sober Sips Society to provide high-quality non-alcoholic wines, beers, spirits, and mocktails for those navigating sobriety or simply seeking healthier lifestyle choices.
The business has quickly gained attention for its unique offerings, many of which are hard to find in local stores, and its mission to break the stigma around non-alcoholic beverages. Jessie and Russell aim to create a space where sobriety is celebrated and supported, and their partnership with the Fire For Effect Foundation is a natural extension of this mission.
Fire For Effect Foundation: A Shared Vision
The Fire For Effect Foundation, led by President Al Lacerda, is dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. The foundation’s events often focus on fostering community and providing resources for mental health and wellness. However, as Lacerda explains, they’ve long sought ways to make their events more inclusive for those who choose not to drink.
“For the last few years, we have been searching for non-alcoholic options so that everyone can feel included in our events,” said Lacerda. “What Sober Sips Society is doing really fits the feel of what we intend to present to the public.”
This partnership will bring Sober Sips Society’s curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages to First Responder Day, ensuring that all attendees—whether sober, sober-curious, or simply looking for a healthier option—can enjoy the event without feeling excluded.
First Responder Day: A Celebration of Service
First Responder Day, hosted by the Fire For Effect Foundation, is an annual event that honors the sacrifices and contributions of first responders. The day includes activities, resources, and opportunities for connection, with a focus on mental health and wellness. This year, thanks to the partnership with Sober Sips Society, attendees will have access to a variety of alcohol-free beverages, including mocktails, non-alcoholic wines, and craft beers.
The inclusion of Sober Sips Society’s offerings aligns with the event’s broader mission of promoting mental health and creating a supportive environment for first responders. Russell Berry, who achieved sobriety through the LEADER program at McLean Hospital, understands firsthand the importance of providing alternative coping mechanisms and fostering a culture of support.
A Shared Commitment to Mental Health
Both Sober Sips Society and the Fire For Effect Foundation are deeply committed to addressing the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Russell’s journey to sobriety was shaped by his experiences in law enforcement, where he often turned to alcohol as a way to cope with the trauma of the job. Through programs like LEADER and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), he found healthier ways to manage stress and is now using his platform to help others do the same.
By partnering with the Fire For Effect Foundation, Sober Sips Society is not only providing a practical solution for inclusive socializing but also helping to shift cultural norms around alcohol consumption in first responder communities.
Looking Ahead
As Sober Sips Society continues to grow, Jessie and Russell have big plans for the future, including expanding their product line, opening a physical store, and hosting events focused on mental health and sobriety. Their partnership with the Fire For Effect Foundation is just the beginning of their efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive community for those navigating sobriety.
First Responder Day promises to be a meaningful celebration of service, resilience, and connection. With the addition of Sober Sips Society’s alcohol-free options, the event will be a space where everyone—regardless of their relationship with alcohol—can feel included and supported.
For more information about Sober Sips Society, visit their website or follow them on social media. To learn more about the Fire For Effect Foundation and First Responder Day, visit their official page. Together, these organizations are proving that inclusion and mental health awareness can go hand in hand, one sober sip at a time.
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