I had the privilege to visit the World Service Office (WSO) during the World Service Business Conference (WSBC) in April 2026 with some fellow friends. Located in Rio Rancho, just 30 minutes from Albuquerque, New Mexico, this office serves as the vital hub for the global fellowship. The office is comprised of 14 full-time employees and one part-time staff member.
A Legacy in the High Desert
The physical home of WSO was built in the mid-1990s, specifically around 1995. Long-term staff members recall a time when the area was quite rural; back then, the office sat at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac where you could see the mountains clearly. Today, Rio Rancho has exploded with thousands of homes and businesses, turning the once-isolated spot into a bustling community.
Decades of Evolution
Walking through the halls, we encountered a deep sense of history. One staff member has been serving the fellowship for 29 years, having started in 1997. Their perspective highlights how much the world-and WSO-has changed. In the late 90s, the office operated with only one computer connected to the internet. Now, WSO maintains an expansive newly launched website that allows members to find meetings and information through “self-service,” though the staff remains ready to help those without internet access.
The Scope of Service
The scale of the work managed from this office is immense. WSO supports:
- Approximately 5,800 groups.
- Over 5700 Meetings
- 300+ Service Bodies.
- A global fellowship estimated to be between 50,000 and 100,000 members.
While virtual meetings now host hundreds of people, the office continues to support the diverse needs of both face-to-face and digital groups.
The Heart of the Mission: Helping the Newcomer
Beyond the statistics and the building itself, the true heartbeat of WSO is the personal connection. Staff members share that the most rewarding part of their job is answering calls from newcomers who feel lost. Whether it is helping someone start a new meeting or encouraging them to connect with an intergroup for support, the goal is to ensure no one feels they are alone.
For the dedicated team in Rio Rancho, the reward comes in those moments when a caller says, “This is the best phone call I ever made. Thank you”. As they host visitors from all over the world—especially during the busy summer travel season—WSO continues to stand as a beacon of hope and a center for life-saving service and we were all truly moved and inspired by our visit.
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