Loss of NACoA’s Champion and Voice for Children: Sis Wenger
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that NACoA announces the passing of “Sis” Loretta Wenger. For more than 35 years, Sis provided unwavering leadership to the National Association for Children of Addiction, serving as a steadfast advocate and tireless voice for children impacted by parental substance use. Her compassion and dedication became the guiding light of NACoA, illuminating the challenges faced by children and families while offering hope for healing and recovery.
Through her work with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Addiction Policy Forum, Faces & Voices of Recovery, and the Police, Treatment and Community Collaborative, among many others, Sis helped shape critical national conversations surrounding addiction and recovery. She consistently reminded leaders and professionals alike of the unique challenges and needs faced by children and families affected by substance use disorders.
Sis brought extraordinary experience, wisdom, and insight to her many roles within NACoA, including Board Member, Board Chair, Executive Director, President, and CEO. She spearheaded partnerships with leaders across multiple systems to identify core competencies for primary care physicians, clergy, early childhood educators, and social workers. Together, they established professional training guidelines and developed educational materials, manuals, handbooks, and curricula that empowered professionals to better serve individuals and families impacted by substance use.
Under her leadership, NACoA expanded and strengthened programs such as the Children’s Program Kit and Celebrating Families!, both of which continue to serve communities nationwide, in Tribal communities, and internationally. Countless children and families have found healing, education, peer support, and renewed hope through these life-changing programs. Thanks to Sis’s vision and commitment, these initiatives became central to NACoA’s mission and impact.
Sis also created and fostered an international network of NACoA organizations, helping countries around the world implement Children of Addiction (COA) initiatives in multiple languages and within their own communities and systems of care. Her global vision expanded awareness, education, and support efforts internationally, ensuring that children and families impacted by addiction could access hope and healing regardless of geographic or cultural boundaries.
Through Sis’s perseverance and leadership, NACoA also partnered with Marvel Comics, the National Association of Broadcasters, and Sesame Street in Communities to bring awareness and support to the broader public. Her expertise was frequently sought for television, radio, and print interviews. Yet beyond her professional accomplishments, Sis was known for opening her kitchen table to families in crisis or for strategic planning, proudly wearing green each year to celebrate Sober St. Patrick’s Day, and enthusiastically lacing up her sneakers for NACoA’s Run for the Children.
For Sis, this work was never simply a career — it was her life’s calling. Her message was both simple and powerful: “Remember the Children.”
Because of her decades of selfless service, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment, Sis leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Her influence lives on in the countless families who have broken cycles of intergenerational trauma and in the resilient children and adults now living healthier, hope-filled lives because of her work.
While Sis may no longer be with us, her spirit will continue to inspire and strengthen NACoA’s mission to support children and families affected by addiction for generations to come. Funeral arrangements will be posted as soon as they are made public.
