NACoA was proud to speak at the Michigan Association for Addiction Professional’s Annual 2024 Conference. This two day conference held April 7th & 8th in Frankenmuth, MI brought together state addiction professionals for professional development and networking. NACoA’s presentation First Hurt, Last Helped: Children, Families and Healing from Substance Use Disorder followed the afternoon break so participants could enjoy the total eclipse, a rare treat during this annual event!
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NACoA’s Board Continues to Grow
Chapman Named to Board Chair
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Our board attracts caring adults with expertise, experience, and industry network to increase our ability to live our mission and eliminate the adverse impact of alcohol and drug use on children and families. We are grateful for their passion and commitment to these children, and to NACoA. Welcome!
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April National Stress Awareness Month
National Stress Awareness Month helps spotlight the negative impact of stress and why effective management of it is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. The National Institutes of Health provides important information about stress and stress management.
Here’s some additional information for families:
ACE’s Aware Stress Busters – Ace’s Aware breaks down stress management into seven areas to better understand these individual ways to help manage its impact on lives. Visit the website to learn more>>
Sesame Workshop – Watching for Signs of Stress – Visit Sesame Workshop to review behavior changes that may indicate stress in a child and find resources to help our little ones.
How Anxiety Affects Teenagers – The Child Mind Institute provides a great overview and informative video on how anxiety affects teenager and ways to help.
10 Cool Meditations for Pre-Teens and Teens – This resource provides some great options to help pre-teens and teenagers to become familiar, and benefit from, the anxiety-reducing benefits of meditation
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Baylor University Student Committed to Helping Children Heal
Fundraising Campaign and Advocacy This Week
Daniel Shin has been planning this week’s activities for at least two months, wanting to raise awareness about the impact of addiction and making a difference in the lives of children on school campus. In addition to a flyer he has created to help educate students and the Waco community, he has worked with BMSA (Bears Medical Student Association) Campus Fundraiser Organizer David Pousma and other organizations on campus to provide a number of fundraisers: profit shares at Mod Pizza & Chick Fil A, and selling custom bracelets at the BMSA banquet. Fundraisers continue through next Wednesday May 1st. NACoA is extremely grateful to Daniel and David’s huge hearts, passion to help, and commitment -and all of the students at Baylor who have been involved in making this possible- especially during such a busy time of year!
Daniel has written the blog Hard Truths of Alcohol about his own experiences on the college campus and influence of alcohol. The party influence didn’t sabotage his life, but he is forever changed with the recognition of its ability to hijack unsuspecting students. His lasting message is a beacon of hope that echoes throughout the week-long effort to help families impacted by addiction: “You have the strength to make positive changes – to join others in combating the deaths and lives ruined by substance use disorder, to not perpetuate a cycle or culture of substance abuse that goes on to affect adults as they transition to parenthood and take care of their families.”
Consider visiting the Healing Starts Now: Improving Futures for Children Impacted by Addiction donation page and showing your support!
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Celebrating Families!
National Online Group Leader Training
May 13 – 15th and October 8 – 10th
NACoA receives many requests to train additional staff to be group leaders for Celebrating Families! – a whole family, evidence-based, trauma-informed recovery program- without needing to schedule a training for the site. Organizations can now strengthen existing programs by sending individual facilitators to an online national group leader training. Attendees will become much more familiar with the curriculum, learn program essentials, and participate in a number of the program activities over this three-day training event.
Contact Director of Programs Mary Beth Collins with any questions.
Cost per person $550. Price does not include curriculum, which will be needed throughout the training.
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NACoA ACOA Online Education and Discussion Group
Monthly Meetings Facilitated by NACoA and Colleen Perry
Join NACoA and host Colleen Perry for monthly meetings ideally suited for adult children who have been impacted by addiction, looking for education and support through an online facilitated group. Each meeting will feature an expert presenting on important topics facing adults nurturing their own resilience, followed by an opportunity for attendees to speak freely. Meetings are held at 6 pm ET, the second Thursday each month.
Upcoming Schedule:
May 9th, 6 pm ET Presenter: Mary Kennedy, LCSW
Topic: Healing Through Parenting: For You and Your Family
Register>>
June 13th, 6 pm ET Presenter: Ron Robinson
Topic: Fathers and Addiction: Breaking the Cycle
Register>>
Register for all 2024 meetings here>>
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NACoA WEBINAR: Celebrating Families! 0-3:
Being a Successful “Guide on the Side” for Young Families
**RESCHEDULED Thursday, May 2nd at 1:30 – 2:30 pm, ET**
Presenter: Melissa Santos, BSW Community Solutions
Sr. Director of Strategy & Community Development
Supporting parents/caregivers to develop healthy attachment and demonstrate positive parenting skills is important for parents in recovery. Group leaders implementing this program focus on the relationship of parents and children and are a “Guide on the Side” as they coach or guide them as they nurture confidence and capability during sessions. This FREE webinar will review important basics and enrich what is provided in group leader trainings to help group leaders find greater success when working with young families.
Register Today>>
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